Libyan Civil War Libyan Civil War - Libreria Militare Ares

Libyan Civil War 

and 

International military Intervention 

Since February 17th up to March 30th, 2011 

Amr Nabil/AP Photo - http://www.esquire.com/the-side/opinion/7totalitarianwonders-2 

Wikipedia Articles 

as at March 31, 2011 

Part Two 

Loyalist and Rebel surface Operations: 

First Battle of Benghazi. Tripoli clashes. Battle of Az Zawiyah. Battle of 

Misrata. Battle of GHaryan. First Battle of Brega. Battle of Ra's Lanuf. Battle 

of Bin Jawad. Second Battle of Brega. Battle of Ajdabiya. Second Battle of 

Benghazi. Battle of Az Zintan. Late March rebel offensive. 

Coalition and NATO Operations: 

UK Operation Ellamy. USA Operation Odyssey Dawn. 

French Operation Harmattan. Canadian Operation MOBILE. 

NATO Operation Unified Protector

Map of the Wikipedia Articles 

2011 Libyan civil war 

Protests 

International reactions • Domestic responses • Casualties • Timeline 

Battles 

First Battle of Benghazi • Tripoli clashes • Battle of Az Zawiyah • Battle of Misurata • Battle of Gharyan • First Battle of 

Brega • Battle of Ra's Lanuf • Battle of Bin Jawad • Second Battle of Brega • Battle of Ajdabiya • Second Battle of Benghazi • 

Battle of Az Zintan • Late March rebel offensive • International military intervention (Operation Ellamy – Operation Odyssey 

Dawn – Opération Harmattan – Operation MOBILE ) • Operation Unified Protector • 

Places 

Bab al-Azizia • Green Square • Maydan al-Shajara 

People 

Muammar Gaddafi • Saif al-Islam Muammar Al-Gaddafi • Mustafa Mohamed Abud Al Jeleil • Abdul Fatah Younis • Hafiz 

Ghoga • Hussein Sadiq al Musrati • Mohammed El Senussi • Idris al-Senussi • Fathi Terbil • Mohammed Nabbous • Mahmoud 

Jibril • Khalifa Belqasim Haftar • Ali Tarhouni • Ali Abd-al-Aziz al-Isawi • Iman al-Obeidi 

Forces 

Anti-Gaddafi forces (Libyan People's Army – Free Libyan Air Force – NCLO) • Military of Libya (Libyan Army – Libyan Air 

Force – Libyan Navy) • Revolutionary Guard Corps 

Related 

National Transitional Council • Abu Salim Prison • Fist Crushing a U.S. Fighter Plane • People's Hall, Tripoli • Topple the 

Tyrants • United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 • United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 ( International 

reactions to the intervention – Protests against the intervention – US domestic reactions to the intervention )

Loyalist and Rebel 

Operations 

First Battle of Benghazi 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 

The neutrality of this article is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page. Please do not remove 

this message until the dispute is resolved. (March 2011) 

A government revolutionary committee office after it was torched by demonstrators, in Benghazi's downtown. 

Date 17 February 2011 – 20 February 2011 

Location Benghazi, al-Baida & Derna, Libya 

Decisive Anti-Gaddafi/NCLO victory 

Result 

• Beginning of the 2011 Libyan uprising 

• Benghazi becomes a core of the Anti-Gaddafi forces. 

Anti-Gaddafi forces 

Civillians 

Commanders and leaders 

Defected Army Units 

Gen. Abdul Fatah Younis (last day) Al-Saadi al-Gaddafi [1] 

Strength 

Gaddafi Loyalists Military of Libya Paramilitary forces 

10,000 [2] Khamis Brigade Fadheel Brigade Tariq Brigade [3] 325 mercenaries [4] 

Casualties and losses 

Benghazi: 110 [5] -257 [6] killed, 9 missing [7] 

al-Baida: 63 killed [8] 

Derna: 29 killed [8] 

Rebel soldiers: 130 killed [9] 

Total: 332-479 killed, 9 missing 

3 T-54/55 tanks or BMPs destroyed 

111 killed (military) 

50 killed, 236 captured, 39 missing 

(mercenaries) 

2 killed (police) 

Total: 163 killed, 236 captured 

3 T-54/55 tanks or BMPs destroyed [10][11] 

The First Battle of Benghazi occurred as part of the 2011 Libyan uprising between army units and militiamen loyal to Libyan leader 

Muammar al-Gaddafi and Anti-Gaddafi forces, with clashes occurring in Benghazi, al-Bayda and Derna. In Benghazi itself most of 

the fighting occurred during a siege of the government-controlled Katiba compound. [5] 

Beginning The fighting in Benghazi started on 17 February, after two days of protests in the city. Security forces opened fire on 

protesters, killing 14. The next day, a funeral procession for one of those killed passed the Katiba compound. Accounts differ on

whether mourners began throwing stones first or the soldiers from Katiba opened fire without provocation. In the end another 24 

people from the opposition forces were killed. Following the massacre, two policemen, who were accused of shooting the protestors, 

were hanged by the opposition. [12] Police and army personnel later withdrew from the city after being overwhelmed by protesters. 

Some army personnel joined the protesters and helped them seize the local state-controlled radio station. [13] In al-Baida, unconfirmed 

reports indicated that local police and riot control units joined the protesters. [14] By the end of the 18th, the only place that still housed 

a significant number of Gaddafi loyalists in Benghazi was the Katiba compound. On 19 February, another funeral procession passed 

the Katiba compound en route to the cemetery in an act of defiance and were again fired upon by Gaddafi loyalists in the compound. 

By this time, some 325 mercenaries from southern Africa [verification needed] were flown into Benghazi and other towns in the east to help 

restore order. During the 18th and 19th, there were major retaliatory attacks by the opposition forces against the mercenaries. 50 

African mercenaries were executed by the protesters in al-Baida. Some died when protestors burned down the police station in which 

they locked them up and 15 were lynched in front of the courthouse in al-Baida. [4][15] The bodies of some of them were put on display 

and caught on video. [16][17] Following the second attack on a funeral, opposition forces commandeered bulldozers and tried to breach 

the walls of the Katiba compound, often retreating under heavy fire. As the fighting continued, a mob attacked a local army base on 

the outskirts of Benghazi and forced the soldiers to give up their weapons, including three small tanks. Opposition members then 

rammed those tanks into the Katiba compound's walls. Days later, the burned hulks of the armored vehicles could still be seen, stuck 

halfway into the breaches they made. 

End 

The fighting stopped on the morning of the 20th. Another 30 people were killed during the previous 24 hours of fighting. A third 

funeral procession passed the Katiba compound. Under the cover of the funeral, a suicide car-bomber attacked the compound's gates, 

blowing them up. [18] Opposition fighters resumed their assault on the base, this time with reinforcements from al-Baida and Derna. 

During the final attack on the compound 42 people were killed. In the afternoon, Libyan Interior Minister Abdul Fatah Younis 

showed up with a special forces squad called the "Thunderbolt" to relieve the besieged barracks. Troops from his unit, based on the 

outskirts of town, arrived at the opposite side of the Katiba armed with machine guns and driving trucks mounted with anti-aircraft 

guns. Two tanks under Younes's command followed. However, Younis defected to the opposition and granted safe passage to 

Gaddafi's loyalists out of the city. [5] Gaddafi's troops evacuated but not before killing soldiers who refused to open fire on the 

opposition. Some 130 rebel soldiers were killed in Benghazi and al-Baida. 

Casualties 110 [5] -257 [19] opposition members were killed in Benghazi. In addition, another 63 opposition members were killed in al- 

Baida and 29 in Derna. [8] Also, 130 rebelling soldiers were reported to be executed by government forces. [9] An estimated total of 332- 

479 members of the opposition forces died during the fighting in Benghazi, al-Baida and Derna. Another 1,932 were wounded. [20] 111 

soldiers loyal to Gaddafi were also killed. [21] Of the 325 mercenaries sent to the east to quell the uprising's initial phase, it was 

reported that 50 were captured and executed by the opposition, [4][22] and at least 236 were captured alive. [4][23] The fate of the others 

was unknown. 

References 

1. ^ "Saadi Gaddafi 'gave order to shoot' in Benghazi revolt". BBC.co.uk. March 21, 2011. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12789740. Retrieved March 21, 2011. The interviews with the Libyan soldier and 

Saadi Gaddafi (by reporter Paul Kenyon) were shown on the BBC 1 Panorama program called "Fighting Gaddafi" on 21 

March 2011 at 20.35 GMT 

2. ^ 9:45 PM (2011-02-20). "Libya protests: gunshots, screams and talk of revolution". Guardian. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/20/libya-gunshots-screams-revolution. Retrieved 2011-03-01. 

3. ^ Hill, Evan. "The day the Katiba fell". Aljazeera. 

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/spotlight/libya/2011/03/20113175840189620.html. Retrieved 2011-03-01. 

4. ^ a b c d Hauslohner, Abigail. "Libya's Alleged Foreign Mercenaries: More Gaddafi Victims". TIME. 

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2053490,00.html. Retrieved 2011-02-25. 

5. ^ a b c d "Battle at army base broke Gadhafi hold in Benghazi". Associated Press. Feb 25, 2011. 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/25/AR2011022505021.html. Retrieved Feb 25, 2011. 

6. ^ "Gadhafi forces retake towns near Libyan capital". BBC news. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa- 

12636798. Retrieved 2011-03-03. 

7. ^ "Libya: detainees, disappeared and missing". 

http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/MDE19/011/2011/en/5a97c7df-aee8-4830-9f2bd54f805d2dc1/mde190112011en.html. 

Retrieved 2011-03-30. 

8. ^ a b c "LIBYA: SAIF, 300 DEAD; GREATEST BLOODSHED IN BENGHAZI". 23 February 2011. 

http://www.agi.it/english-version/world/elenco-notizie/201102230828-pol-ren1009- 

libya_saif_300_dead_greatest_bloodshed_in_benghazi. Retrieved 25 February 2011. 

a b 

9. ^ Correspondents in Paris (24 February 2011). "Over 640 die in Libya unrest". News AU. 

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/over-640-die-in-libya-unrest/story-e6frfku0-1226011080864. Retrieved 24 February 

2011. 

10. ^ "Destroyed Tank Used On Protesters By Mercenaries In Derna". 

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=Qti_AwiWeEo. Retrieved March 1, 2011. 

11. ^ "Libya's second city learns to govern itself". http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2011/02/24/1473453/libyas-secondcity-learns-to-govern.html. 

Retrieved March 1, 2011. 

12. ^ "Two policemen hanged in Libya protests". News.xinhuanet.com. 19 February 2011. 

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-02/19/c_13739109.htm. Retrieved 24 February 2011. 

13. ^ Friday (22 February 2011). "Libya, Bahrain (and Beyond) LiveBlog: Confrontations". EA WorldView. 

http://www.enduringamerica.com/home/2011/2/18/libya-bahrain-and-beyond-liveblog-confrontations.html. Retrieved 19 

February 2011. 

14. ^ "Live Blog – Libya". Al Jazeera Blogs. 17 February 2011. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/17/liveblog-libya. 

Retrieved 19 February 2011.

15. ^ Ian Black and Owen Bowcott. "Libya protests: massacres reported as Gaddafi imposes news blackout | World 

news". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/18/libya-protests-massacres-reported. Retrieved 24 

February 2011. 

16. ^ 1:50. "African Mercenary Killed in Libya". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watchv=Q6akmd6tfxg. 

Retrieved 24 February 2011. 

17. ^ "African Mercenary Killed in Libya 2". YouTube. 22 February 2011. 

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=_s91AvXP2XQ&skipcontrinter=1. Retrieved 24 February 2011. 

18. ^ "Saadi Gaddafi 'gave order to shoot' in Benghazi revolt". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12789740. 


19. ^ "Gadhafi forces retake towns near Libyan capital". BBC news. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa- 

12636798. Retrieved 2011-03-03. 

20. ^ 9:45 PM. "Gadhafi forces retake towns near Libyan capital". AP. 

http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2011/03/01/rebel_held_city_near_tripoli_celebrates_battle_win/. 


21. ^ 9:45 PM. "Libya says 300 dead in violence, including 111 soldiers". The Asian Age. 

http://www.asianage.com/international/libya-says-300-dead-violence-including-111-soldiers-193. Retrieved 2011-02-24. 

22. ^ Ian Black and Owen Bowcott. "Libya protests: massacres reported as Gaddafi imposes news blackout | World 

news". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/18/libya-protests-massacres-reported. Retrieved 2011-02- 

25. 

23. ^ Dziadosz, Alexander (2009-02-09). "Benghazi, cradle of revolt, condemns Gaddafi". Reuters. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/23/us-libya-protests-east-idUSTRE71M3J920110223pageNumber=1. Retrieved 

2011-02-25. 

People on a tank in a Benghazi rally. 23 February Demonstrators inside al Fadeel battalion compound, al Berka, Benghazi 

2011 Tripoli clashes 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Situation as of the 1 March. Areas controlled by Anti-Gaddafi forces. 

Date 17 February 2011 – 25 February 2011 

Location 

Tripoli, Libya 

Decisive Pro-Gaddafi victory [1] 

Result 

• Pro-Gaddafi forces solidify control of the city. 

• All Anti-Gaddafi protests quashed. 

Belligerents 

Anti-Gaddafi forces 


300 killed [2][3] Unknown 


During the 2011 Libyan uprising, control of the capital city of Tripoli was considered key to the rebels' attempt to overthrow the 

Libyan government and President Muammar al-Gaddafi. During the early days of the uprising there were reports of unrest in the city, 

but the city remains under the control of the regime. [4][5][6][7] 

Background Muammar al-Gaddafi has ruled Libya since overthrowing the monarchy in 1969. [8] As the 2010–2011 Middle East and 

North Africa protests caused revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, which both border Libya, Gaddafi was reportedly still in full control, 

being the longest-ruling non-royal head of state. [9] However, the protestors want democracy, and Libya's corruption perception index 

in 2010 was 2.2, worse than Tunisia or Egypt. [10] 

Clashes On 17 February 2011, it was reported that supporters of the Libyan opposition had taken to the streets and Green Square, 

Tripoli during the Day of Revolt. [11][12][13] On 20 February, it was claimed that snipers fired on crowds to control Green Square, as 

protesters started fires at police stations and the General People's Congress building. [14][15] Reportedly, the state television building 

was also set on fire on 21 February. [16][17] On 22 February, it was stated that the justice ministry at al-Shuhadaa square and the Shaabia 

headquarters were attacked. [18][19] Tripoli's Mitiga International Airport may have been taken by the protesters on 25 February. [20][21] 

The Tajoura district of Tripoli rose up against control by the Gaddafi government on 25 February. [22] However, it was quickly 

confronted by government troops who reportedly fired on the protestors and killed 25 of them. [23] The National Libyan Council 

formed by the rebels in Benghazi, their interim capital, said through their spokesman Hafiz Ghoga that "we will help liberate other 

Libyan cities, in particular Tripoli through our national army, our armed forces, of which part have announced their support for the 

people." [24] Various countries, such as the UK and USA have considered creating a no-fly zone under United nations guidance, which 

would prevent warplanes being used and mercenaries being flown in. [25] The no fly zone was rejected by Russia and China, the 

Russian foreign minister rejected the idea and instead supported sanctions and the Chinese spokesman said their priority was, "for the 

violence to end, to avoid casualties and to make constructive efforts to help Libya return to peace and stability." [26] On 1 March the 

British prime minister, David Cameron backtracked from his comments regarding the no fly zone and Saif Gaddafi who is British 

educated, accused Cameron of wanting to be a hero, [27] and described Cameron's military threats as a "like a joke" and said, that if 

military action was taken, "we are ready we are not afraid." [28] Gaddafi loyalists remained in control in Tripoli and on 1 March it was 

reported that many shops were closed and the few banks that opened had queues outside. [29] Also on 1 March a convoy of twenty 

government aid trucks left Tripoli with food and medicine for the rebel-held eastern city of Benghazi. [27] 

UNSC Resolution 1973 On the night of 17/18 March, following United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, clashes occurred 

between protestors and pro-Gaddafi forces in Tripoli in several different areas. [30] Protests were also planned for Friday 18 March. [30] 

Public appearances by Gaddafi On 25 February, Gaddafi made a public speech in Green Square, stating "We will fight them and we 

will beat them. Sing, dance and prepare yourselves. If needs be, we will open all the arsenals." [31] 

References 

1. ^ "Gaddafi solidifies control in west, will turn east next". 24 February 2011. 

http://homelandsecuritynewswire.com/gaddafi-solidifies-control-west-will-turn-east-next. 

2. ^ 275 killed (by Feb. 24/IFHR claim)http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/over-640-die-in-libya-unrest/storye6frfku0-1226011080864 

3. ^ 25 killed (on Feb.25/opposition claim)[1] 

4. ^ Libyan protesters battle for control of Tripoli - World News - News - WalesOnline 

5. ^ afrol News - Protesters control great part of Tripoli 

6. ^ The Hindu : International : Protesters battle regime in Tripoli 

7. ^ Terror in Tripoli as Gaddafi set for battle - Region - World - Ahram Online 

8. ^ Viscusi, Gregory (23 February 2011). "Qaddafi is no Mubarak as regime overthrow may trigger a 'descent to 

chaos'". Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-23/qaddafi-is-no-mubarak-overthrow-may-mean-descent-tochaos-.html. 

Retrieved 24 February 2011. 

9. ^ Whitlock, Craig (22 February 2011). "Gaddafi is ecccentric but the firm master of his regime, Wikileaks cables 

say". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/22/AR2011022207298.html. 

10. ^ "Corruption perceptions index 2010 results". Corruption Perceptions Index. Transparency International. 

http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2010/results. Retrieved 22 February 2011. 

11. ^ "Anti-government protesters killed in Libyan clash". 

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hiRm6or7fqLxkFUiE4v8PN3hn6KwdocId=ac0fdf1479e844578db7 

3ae3a0abd841. 

12. ^ "AFP: Libya follows deadly crackdown with mass arrests". Google.com. 

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i90XPftOIEQ29EuNr0cjJkjxoXgdocId=CNG.30a7eb6de98a36de2dbb441ffee98187. 

Retrieved 20 February 2011.

13. ^ WL Central. "19 February 2011 World: It is Libyan blood on your hands that you let shed today. #Libya #Feb17". 

WL Central. http://wlcentral.org/node/1312. Retrieved 20 February 2011. 

14. ^ "Libyan People's Hall on fire as protesters riot". RIA Novosti. 21 February 2011. 

http://en.rian.ru/world/20110221/162699766.html. 

15. ^ Christian Lowe (21 February 2011). "UPDATE 1-Government building on fire in Libyan capital". Reuters. 

http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFLDE71K0OP20110221. 

16. ^ "Libya: Violent Protests Paralyse Country As Colonel Gaddafi's Son Warns Of Civil War". World News. Sky 

News. 22 February 2011. http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Libya-Violent-Protests-Paralyse-Country-As- 

Colonel-Gaddafis-Son-Warns-Of-Civil- 

War/Article/201102315937579lpos=World_News_Right_Promo_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_15937579_Libya%3A_Violen 

t_Protests_Paralyse_Country_As_Colonel_Gaddafis_Son_Warns_Of_Civil_War. Retrieved 21 February 2011. 

17. ^ "Report: Military Aircraft Bomb Libyan Protesters". MyStateline. 2011-02-21. http://mystateline.com/fulltextnewsnxd_id=231506. 

18. ^ "Libyan People's Hall on fire as protesters riot". RIA Novosti. 2011-02-21. 

http://en.rian.ru/world/20110221/162699766.html. 

19. ^ Christian Lowe (2011-02-21). "UPDATE 1-Government building on fire in Libyan capital". Reuters. 

http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFLDE71K0OP20110221. 

20. ^ "Fresh reports of Tripoli fighting – air base may have fallen to rebels". Times of Malta. 2011-02-25. 

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110225/local/fresh-reports-of-tripoli-fighting-air-base-may-have-fallen-torebels. 


21. ^ "Libya in turmoil – live updates". The Guardian. 2011-2-25. Archived from the original on 2011-02-25. 

http://www.webcitation.org/5wlT4XM4G. Retrieved 2011-02-25. 

22. ^ "Gaddafi forces abandon parts of Tripoli". National Post. 2011-02-26. Archived from the original on 2011-03-08. 

http://www.webcitation.org/5x17wPxrf. 

23. ^ "US imposes sanctions on Gaddafi, Tripoli the focus". Reuters. 26 February 2011. 

http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/02/26/idINIndia-55172920110226. Retrieved 26 February 2011. 

24. ^ Libya rebels form council, oppose foreign intervention 

25. ^ http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/02/britain-working-on-plans-for-a-no-fly-zoneover-libya/1 

(USA Today) 

26. ^ "World China tells West to back off". The Morning Star. March 1, 2011. 

http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/101713. Retrieved March 1, 2011. 

27. ^ a b "Cameron backtracks on Libya no-fly zone plan as US distances itself". The Guardian. March 1, 2011. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/mar/01/cameron-backtracks-libya-zone-us. Retrieved March 1, 2011. 

28. ^ "Libya removed from Human rights counsil". Channel Four News. March 1, 2011. 

http://www.channel4.com/news/libya-laughs-off-no-fly-zone-warning. Retrieved March 1, 2011. 

29. ^ "Teacher wants to return to Libya". This is Gloucestershire. March 1, 2011. 

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/news/Teacher-wants-return-Libya/article-3275471-detail/article.html. Retrieved 

March 1, 2011. 

30. ^ a b "Tripoli journalists in lockdown ahead of protest". Thomson Reuters. 2011-03-18. Archived from the original 

on 2011-03-21. http://www.webcitation.org/5xMRwxyI3. Retrieved 2011-03-21. 

31. ^ "Tripoli braces for battle as Gaddafi digs in". ABC News. 2011-2-27. 

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/27/3149926.htmsection=justin. 

Battle of Az Zawiyah 


Date 24 February 2011 – 9/10 March 2011 

Location 

Az Zawiyah, Libya 

Result 

Pro-Gaddafi victory [1] 

• City retaken by loyalist forces. 

Anti-Gaddafi Forces Libyan People's Army 

Gaddafi Loyalists Military of Libya 

Paramilitary forces 

Col. Hussein Darbouk † [2] Khamis al-Gaddafi Gen. Muftah Anaqrat † Col. Mohamed Gayth † 

2,000 combatants (by March 4) [3] Khamis Brigade [4] Hosban Brigade [5] 


234 [6] -247 killed, [7] 300+ wounded, [8] 37 captured, [9] up to 

50 tanks, APCs and SP howitzers destroyed or captured 

65 killed, 29-31 captured, [10] 50 wounded, [11] at 

least 4 T-72 tanks or BMPs and 1 Shilka 

destroyed [12] 

The Battle of Az Zawiyah was a battle during the 2011 Libyan uprising between army units and militiamen loyal to Muammar 

Gaddafi and anti-Gaddafi forces.

The Battle It began on 24 February, when Libyan troops (under Gaddafi) attacked a mosque where protesters were holding an antigovernment 

sit-in. The troops opened fire with automatic weapons and hit the minaret with an anti-aircraft gun. After the attack, 

thousands of people rallied in Martyrs' Square by the mosque shouting “Leave! Leave!” [13][14] On the same day, anti-Gaddafi forces 

repelled the attack on the city. [15] On 26 February, government forces opened fire on anti-government protesters and Egyptian migrant 

workers. By this point, most of the city was under rebel control — however, security forces controlled surrounding areas and had set 

up checkpoints on the outskirts. In addition, some government militia and security forces were still present in the city and at least one 

tank was seen. [16] 24 rebel fighters were killed during the two previous days of fighting. [17] On 28 February, government troops 

conducted a counter-attack against the city with 200 soldiers coming in from the east, supported by snipers, tanks and artillery. The 

first attack came just after midnight when loyalist soldiers tried to come through the eastern city gate in pick-up trucks. The attack was 

repelled. In the early evening, a second attack of three more trucks tried to break through the west gate. Two of the trucks were 

destroyed. At the same time, six more pick-ups again attacked the eastern gate. Two were captured by rebel forces. During the clashes 

one government tank was damaged by a rocket propelled grenade. After six hours of fighting, government troops were unable to 

reclaim the city. 10 soldiers were killed in the street fighting and 12–14 were captured, of which eight switched sides and joined the 

rebels. [18][19] On the night of 2 March, rebel forces attacked government lines around the city killing two loyalist soldiers. By this 

point, shortages of food and medical supplies in the city had started as a result of the siege. [20] On 4 March, government troops 

attacked once again bombarding the rebels with mortars, heavy machine guns, anti-aircraft guns and a prolonged artillery barrage 

coming from at least eight Grad missile launchers. [21] Troops attacked on both sides of the city. In the initial fighting, the rebel forces 

commander, colonel Hussein Darbouk, was killed along with three more fighters. [22] Later, the casualty toll was raised to "up to 50 

dead" [23] and 300 wounded on that day. [24] Two government soldiers were also killed. [25] In the evening, the rebels were pushed back 

to the central square in Zawiyah, where they were preparing to make a last stand. [26] Government forces claimed to have captured 31 

tanks, 19 armored personel carriers and other weapons including rocket-launchers and anti-aircraft guns that were used by the 

rebels. [27] By the morning of 5 March, pro-Gaddafi soldiers were reported to have been beaten back from the centre of the city, after 

overnight fighting, however they still controlled the town's entry points. At six in the morning, another assault was underway, which 

started with a surprise barrage of mortar shells. [28] At 7 a.m., at least 20 tanks entered the city and heavy street fighting started with 

loyalists storming residential buildings and reportedly killing people inside to secure the rooftoops for snipers. [29] Initially, the rebels 

retreated to positions deeper in the city and government tanks were seen pouring onto the square. Still, after a few hours, a rebel 

counteroffensive was launched and loyalist forces were again beaten back from the centre of the city to the city's edge by 10 a.m. [30] 

During these morning battles, 33 people were reported killed. 25 of them were rebels and eight were pro-Gaddafi soldiers. Five 

government armored vehicles were destroyed at the square, among them two or three tanks. At 4 p.m. in the afternoon, a third pro- 

Gaddafi attack commenced, accompanied by an artillery barrage, but it too was repulsed. During this attack, government troops 

positioned themselves once again at the square and tank and rocket fire was directed at buildings around it, before retreating. 

However, the loyalists managed to secure the hospital and, because of this, the rebels moved all of their wounded to a makeshift clinic 

at a mosque. [31][32][33] 10 loyalist soldiers were captured during the fighting and later executed in a hotel at the square. [34] During the 

night, it was confirmed that government tanks were seen roaming the city. [35] On 6 March, a fourth attack in two days was launched 

against the city centre and it too was repelled. 26 government soldiers and three rebels were reportedly killed and 11 soldiers captured 

during the latest charge by loyalist troops. [36][37] On 7 March at 9 a.m., a fifth attack started and continued well into the afternoon. 

Government forces had once again managed to take the city's central square and also a nearby mosque. [38] By 8 March, most of the 

city had been left in ruins with tanks firing in all directions. During the night, rebels had once again taken back the square. However, 

with dawn, the strongest attack yet came with 50 tanks and 120 pick-ups charging towards the city center. [39] During the evening, a 

force of 60 rebels slipped out of the city in an attempt to attack a military base 20 kilometres from the city. By the next day, they had 

not returned and their fate was not known. [40] On 9 March, the city was reported to be 95 percent under loyalist control as rebels 

retreated from the main square and troops moved in. [41][42] Later that evening, rebels and a few local witnesses claimed that the rebels 

had retaken the main square and that the regime's forces were driven back to 1 kilometre from the city centre. [43][44] 40 opposition 

members and several loyalists were reported killed during the day's fighting, including a general and a colonel. [45] Nine rebels were 

killed in the battle for the square. [46] The suburbs of the city had been confirmed as cleared and captured by loyalists after the 

government bussed journalists to a floodlit stadium where some 300 Gaddafi supporters were celebrating with fireworks. [47] On 10 

March, the city was retaken by loyalist forces. [48] Reporters from the London Times and the ITV network reported from the square in 

Zawiyah where they confirmed it was under government control and clean-up operations were underway. Later, locals confirmed that 

tanks were lined along the square. The mopping-up operations were focused on smaller remaining pockets of resistance and some 

street fighting continued during the day. [49][50][51] On 11 March, rebels claimed they were still in control in Zawiya. However, just a 

few hours later, a pro-Gaddafi rally, arranged by the government, was held in the centre of the city, witnessed by 100 foreign 

journalists, confirming the city was retaken. [52][53] 

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counterattack (March 8),[3] total of 234 reported deaths 

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8),[7][8] 40 killed (March 9),[9] total of 247 reported deaths 

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2011. 

15. ^ , ABC News, http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStoryid=12992237&page=3 

16. ^ "Gadhafi forces strike back at Libya uprising". Human Rights Watch. Feb 26, 2011. 

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17. ^ "Armed Gaddafi opponents hold town west of Tripoli". Reuters. Feb 27, 2011. 

http://www.nationalpost.com/Rebels+control+Libyan+town+Zawiyah/4355224/story.html. Retrieved Feb 27, 2011. 

18. ^ "Pro-Gadhafi forces hit back on land and in air". The New York Times. March 1, 2011. 

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19. ^ "Libyan Rebels Repel Overnight Attack by Pro-Qaddafi Forces". 1 March 2011. 

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20. ^ "Libyan rebel-held city on guard, fears for supplies". 4 March 2011. 

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21. ^ "Libya: Fierce day of raids and clashes signals shift to civil war". The Guardian. 4 March 2011. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/04/libya-rebels-civil-war-gaddafi. Retrieved 4 March 2011. 

22. ^ "Forces fire tear gas as Libya protesters march". 4 March 2011. 

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/03/04/general-af-libya_8338840.html. Retrieved 4 March 2011. 

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12652613. Retrieved 4 March 2011. 

24. ^ "Gaddafi Loaylists Recapture Libya's Zawiyah". 4 March 2011. 

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.phpid=125881. Retrieved 4 March 2011. 

25. ^ "Libya: three killed and 50 injured in Zawiyah". 4 March 2011. 

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Zawiyah.html. Retrieved 4 March 2011. 

26. ^ "At least 30 killed in Libya as Gadhafi forces fight to take back rebel-held town". 4 March 2011. 

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27. ^ "Obama ups pressure, Interpol issues global alert on Gaddafi". 4 March 2011. 

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.phpnid=176475. Retrieved 4 March 2011. 

28. ^ News, Africa (BBC), http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12654670. 

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30. ^ "Key wins for both sides in Libya". http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/05/501364/main20039604.shtml. 


31. ^ "Gaddafi forces try to retake western Libyan town". http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/05/libyaidUSLDE72400F20110305. 


32. ^ "Violence in Libya sows fears of long civil war". http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2011/03/05/AR2011030504106.htmlsid=ST2011030405355. 


33. ^ http://www.corriere.it/esteri/11_marzo_05/libia-scontri-onu_3050074a-46fb-11e0-b6b9-265b0f3bef10.shtml 

34. ^ "Libya forces try to halt rebel move toward capital". http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2011/03/07/libyaforces-try-halt-rebel-move-toward-capital-143492. 


35. ^ "Gadhafi's regime blasts city near Tripoli but eastern rebels make a push toward capital". 

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/210c37a3b17f4ce69d750e18cafea941/AF--Libya/. Retrieved 5 March 2011. 

36. ^ "Fierce battles erupt across Libya". http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/06/3156507.htm. Retrieved 6 

March 2011. 

37. ^ "Libya revolt as it happened: Monday". http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/9417359.stm. Retrieved 7 March 2011. 

38. ^ "Libyan warplanes strike rebels at oil port, trying to block advance toward capital". 

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/117515113.html#. Retrieved 7 March 2011. 

39. ^ "Tanks and planes hit Libya rebels". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12673956. Retrieved 8 March 

2011.

40. ^ "Libyan rebels cling to city center of Zawiyah". 

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41. ^ "Libyans 'will fight' no-fly zone". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12685736. Retrieved 9 March 2011. 

42. ^ "Libyan forces enter Zawiyah centre, many dead". 

http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFLDE7280LM20110309title. Retrieved 9 March 2011. 

43. ^ "Battle rages for west Libyan city". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698. Retrieved 9 March 

2011. 

44. ^ "Watch The Rebels Try To Retake Bin Jawad". http://www.businessinsider.com/libya-march-9-2011- 

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46. ^ "Zawiyah becomes ghost town as army ring tightens". http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/10/us-libyazawiyah-city-idUSTRE7296P420110310. 


47. ^ "Rebels and Gaddafi forces battle in eastern and western Libya". http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2011/03/09/AR2011030901771.htmlsid=ST2011030905048. 


48. ^ Libya's Zawiyah back under Kadhafi control: witness, AFP, 2011-03-10, 

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ixCyR- 

WVF7l99m8SOdunWxHmzu0gdocId=CNG.27b799659739bb00ab0094711b9d039c.171. 

49. ^ "Rebels forced from Libyan oil port". The BBC. March 10, 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa- 

12703369. Retrieved March 10, 2011. 

50. ^ Gaddafi loyalists mount onslaught, 2011-03-10, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12708687. 

51. ^ "Qaddafi Forces Take Back Strategic Town From Rebels". March 10, 2011. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/11/world/africa/11libya.html_r=1&&pagewanted=all. Retrieved March 10, 2011. 

52. ^ "Libya Live Blog - March 11". March 11, 2011. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-11. 


53. ^ "Rebels repel Gaddafi assault on Libya oil port". March 11, 2011. 

http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/idINIndia-55498020110311. Retrieved March 11, 2011. 

External links 

• Special Report: Rebel-Held Town Under Siege 

Battle of Misrata 


Date 24 February 2011 - 

Location Misrata, Libya 

Ongoing 

• Pro-Gaddafi forces secure the air base on the city's outskirts 

• Pro-Gaddafi forces capture the city's southern, western and northwestern part and the main road 

Result 

• Control of the city's center and harbor not firmly under the control of either belligerent 

• Water shut off in Misrata 

• Forced evictions of homes by Pro-Gaddafi forces 

Belligerents 


Gaddafi Loyalists 

Military 

of 

UN no-fly Zone [1] NATO command [2] US [3] UK [3] France [4][5] LibyaParamilitary forces 


Unknown 

Strength 

Khamis al-Gaddafi (since 12 March) 

Unknown Hamza Brigade (initially) [6] Khamis Brigade (since 12 March) [7] 


244 [8] -428 killed [9] 137-171 killed, [13] 50 captured, [14] 10 T-72 tanks, 1 BMP and 2 APCs destroyed, 1 

(at least 

60 civilians), [10] helicopter shot down 

122 

missing or captured, [11] 

2,013 wounded [12] 6 Libyan Soko G-2 Galeb aircrafts, 2 Mi-35 attack helicopters and 1 MFPB destroyed and 

1 coast guard vessel and 1 MFPB damaged by Coalition forces [15][16][17]

The Battle of Misrata is a battle of the 2011 Libyan uprising. It is a clash between pro-Gaddafi militia and anti-Gaddafi forces, which 

holds the airport in Misrata, the third largest city in Libya. 

The Battle 

Rebels capture the city and the air base battle 

24-26 February Gaddafi loyalists armed with rocket-propelled grenades and mortars fired at a group of opposition fighters guarding 

the airport. During the fighting, the airport's defenders seized a ZPU-4 anti-aircraft gun used by the militias and turned it against them. 

When the battle started, officers from an air force school near the airport mutinied and helped the opposition attack an adjacent 

military air base where Gaddafi's troops were stationed. The officers then disabled fighter jets at the base to prevent them from being 

used against the uprising. [18][19] On the evening of the second day of the battle, Gaddafi's forces, supported by tanks, succeeded in 

retaking part of the military air base. Fighting at the base continued until after midnight, leaving 22 dead. [20] 

28 February On 28 February, it was reported that opposition forces shot down a government helicopter which was attacking the 

rebel-held radio station. The crew of the helicopter was captured by rebel forces. [21][22] Also, there was a new attempt by government 

troops to advance at the air base but it was repelled by the opposition. No casualties occurred during the fighting, except that, eight 

loyalist soldiers were captured. [23] 

3 March On 3 March, two Libyan Red Crescent medics were wounded by loyalist fire while trying to retrieve the body of a man 

killed near a government base three days earlier. [24] By this point, it was reported that the rebels were running low on food and 

ammunition. [25] Also, government troops had succeeded in securing the air base and the military air academy on the outskirts of 

Misrata. 

Rebel ambush in the city center 

6 March On 6 March, the regime attempted to retake Misrata yet again, and sent soldiers and tanks into the city. The rebels allowed 

the government forces to enter the center of the city so that they could be surrounded and captured. Seven tanks and 25 technicals 

entered Misrata and three tanks made it all the way to the center before the fighting began and they became trapped. [26] According to 

local witnesses, the rebels fended off the attack on Misrata by Gaddafi's forces. 21 [27] rebels and civilians were killed, including a 3- 

year-old boy. 22 of Gaddafi's soldiers were killed, and another 20 captured. [28][29] 

Khamis Brigade arrives and inter-loyalist fighting 

12-13 March On 12 March, a new government attack was underway and loyalist forces were reported to be 10-15 kilometers from 

the city center. [30] The attack was led by the Khamis Brigade, which had just won the battle for Az Zawiyah two days earlier, but their 

advance quickly came to a stop as a group of attacking soldiers mutinied and defected. 32 soldiers, one of them reportedly a general, 

broke off from the rest of the force and joined the rebels in the city. [7] The next day, government tanks were still advancing, fighting 

rebels on the outskirts of the city. Tank shells had struck inside the city, hitting a mosque and an apartment building. [31] 

Artillery and tank attacks 

16 March On 16 March, a new artillery attack on Misrata commenced and another round of fighting started. The rebels claimed to 

have destroyed 16 loyalist tanks and captured 20 government soldiers. However, this was not independently confirmed. [32] 11 

opposition members were killed and 20 wounded during the clashes. Doctors in Misrata reported that 60-80 government soldiers had 

been killed in fighting that day. [33][34] 

17-18 March On the night of 17 March, government troops started an artillery and tank attack on Misrata. The attack continued well 

into the next day. During 18 March, a cease-fire was announced by the government, following the United Nations Security council 

resolution on authorisation for military intervention by foreign countries. However, the attack on Misrata continued for at least 

another four hours. It was not know if this was deliberate or the orders had not gotten to the troops on the ground in the city yet. By 

the time the cease-fire was ordered, government troops had already breached the rebel defences on the outskirts of the city and were in 

Misrata itself with tanks firing randomly and troops conducting house-to-house searches to capture opposition fighters, according to 

the rebels. [35] Video from the city itself showed damaged streets, following heavy fighting, with at least four destroyed tanks and two 

armored personel carriers. [36][37] 

The city is breached and continued fighting 

19-22 March On 19 March, loyalist sniper and artillery fire occurred during the morning leaving nine dead in the city. Seven of those 

were killed due to shelling. [38] Also, Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from both US and British ships and submarines struck a pro- 

Gaddafi air base and military academy outside the city, causing an undetermined amount of damage. [3] On 20 March, Gaddafi's 

armour drove into the city center, and heavy fighting continued throughout the day. Four loyalist tanks were seen patrolling the 

city. [39] On 21 March, 40 people were reportedly killed and 300 wounded by gunfire and artillery shelling by loyalist forces attempting 

to clear the city of opposition forces. By this point, the city's main road, called Tripoli Street, had been secured by government troops 

with 200 soldiers and three tanks positioned along it. [40] The center of the city was also cleared of rebel forces where, during the day, 

unarmed rebel supporters tried to confront government troops in trying to organise a demonstration but were fired upon by snipers, 

tanks and artillery as soon as they aproached. [41][42][43][44] That night, a government spokesperson stated that the city was under control 

of forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi. There was no independent confirmation and an opposition spokesperson in Misrata denied 

this. [45][46] Video from fighting during the previous days showed six destroyed government tanks. [47] On 22 March, artillery shelling 

and sniper fire in Misrata continued. In the earlier hours of the day, five people, including four children, were killed by an artillery 

round after they tried leaving their home. Gaddafi's forces concentrated around an abandoned hospital where they were using it as a 

base. [48] Overnight, Gaddafi's forces managed to capture the main hospital in Misrata, and had positioned snipers on top of it. The 

opposition requested a hospital ship to be sent to Misrata's port, the only part of the city still in firm rebel control, to treat the injured, 

as the injured no longer had a place to go. [49] 

Coalition air-strikes and tanks continue to advance 

23-29 March In the early hours of 23 March, coalition forces began launching air-strikes against pro-Gaddafi forces within the city 

itself. Two air-strikes were launched according to witnesses. Gaddafi's forces stopped artillery shelling and bombarding the city after 

the air-strikes. [50] Opposition members claimed that the strikes destroyed numerous loyalist tanks near the captured hospital and on the 

outskirts of the city. [51] However, the next day witnesses from within the city confirmed that only the tanks on the outskirts were 

bombed, the damage being unknown, while those in the city were not hit at all. [52] Gaddafi's forces left the main hospital for some time 

before they came back in the evening, with tanks and artillery weapons, and began attacking and bombarding the surrounding area for 

40 minutes. Troops were said to be advancing on the hospital where most of the opposition wounded were being treated. [53][54][55] That

night, the regime sent warships to Misrata and captured its port. [56][57][58][59] The next day, there were conflicting reports, with rebels 

and doctors claiming that the warships retreated from the port, re-securing the port for the rebels. However, this hadn't been 

independently confirmed. [60] The same day, a Libyan Air Force Soko G-2 Galeb was destroyed by French fighter jets at Misrata. Later 

that day, a French armed forces spokesman confirmed that the plane was destroyed at the air base with an AASM air-to-ground 

missile just after it had landed. [4][5][61] Rebels in Misrata also claimed to have killed 30 pro-Gaddafi snipers, and to have managed to 

reach the town center. [62][63] On 25 March, more shelling hit the city and in the evening 10-12 loyalist tanks appeared on Tripoli Street. 

They were hitting rebel positions before retreating to avoid Coalition planes. There was also confusion over whether the port was 

being blocked by loyalist ships, or whether it had been recaptured by the rebels. [64] On 26 March, Gaddafi's forces launched a massive 

attack on Misrata, sending in more foreign mercenaries and bombarding the city with mortar shells and tanks. Witnesses described the 

situation as "very very dire". [65] As during previous days, when coalition planes started appearing over the skies of Misrata artillery 

and mortar shelling on the city stopped and the tanks pulled back to cover. [66] The French MoD claimed that their fighters destroyed 

five G-2 Galeb ground attack jets and two Mi-35 attack helicopters at the Misrata airbase while they were preparing to take part in 

offensive operations against rebels in the city. [67] Gaddafi's forces resumed the artillery, mortar, and tank shelling of the city the next 

day on 27 March. [68][69] Nine people were killed and 23 wounded as loyalist troops fired mortars while advancing towards the city 

from the west. [70][71] In the evening, like previous times, the fighting had stopped so loyalist forces could avoid coalition air-strikes. [72] 

On 28 March, at noon local time, Gaddafi's forces began bombarding the city again. [73] After the bombardment stopped, a rebel source 

confirmed that loyalist troops gained control of a part of the city, effectively dividing Misrata into a government-held part and a rebelheld 

part. [74] During the fighting, rebels damaged two loyalist tanks. [75] Just before evening, international journalists were brought 

from Tripoli who confirmed that Misrata's suburbs, including Tripoli Street, were under government control. A military officer stated 

that there were still about 100 rebels left and the fighting was concentrated around the center of the town. [76] CNN's Nic Robertson 

reported that the streets of Misrata were largely empty except for about 100 pro-Gaddafi supporters demonstrating and a strong 

military presence. [77] Al Jazeera's Anita McNaught said that the furthest in Misrata that she and the other international journalists were 

taken to was the south side of Tripoli Street, one and a half miles from the city's center, from where gunfire could be heard. [78] The 

British Ministry of Defense claimed that their planes hit and destroyed two loyalist tanks and two armored vehicles near the city. [79] 

On 29 March, loyalist forces swept through the city, securing the western and northwestern part and closing in on the last rebel 

pockets of resistance. [80] Witnesses reported that government troops were forcing mass evictions of people from their homes. A 

member of the rebel command in the city claimed that loyalist forces were killing and wounding civilians indiscriminately. [81] During 

the night, heavy street fighting occurred in the city's Az-Zawaabi district in which nine rebels were killed and five wounded. [82] 

On 31 March, a local doctor, who was a member of the opposition, claimed that Gaddafi's forces only retained control of Tripoli 

Street. However, nobody else confirmed the claim. [83] Gaddafi forces were using artillery to bombard Misrata, according to a rebel 

spokesman. He stated that 20 civilians were killed in the city the previous day when houses were hit by shells. [84] 

[edit] References 

1. ^ "UN clears way for Libyan no-fly zone". 18 Mar 2011. 

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/18/3167294.htm. 

2. ^ "Nato takes control of enforcing Libya no-fly zone". 25 March, 2011. http://www.dawn.com/2011/03/25/nato-toenforce-no-fly-zone-over-libya.html. 

Retrieved 26 March, 2011. 

a b c 

3. ^ 

"U.S., British ships launch Operation Odyssey Dawn". CBS News. 19 Mar, 2011. 

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/id=7360170n. 

4. ^ a b "Gadhafi's Warplane Shot Down by French Fighter Jets in Misrata". ABC News. 24 Mar 2011. 

http://abcnews.go.com/International/war-libya-moammar-gadhafi-warplane-misrata-shot-french/storyid=13210685. 

Retrieved 24 Mar 2011. 

a b 

5. ^ 

"Libya live (16:22)". The Telegraph. 24 Mar 2011. 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8390035/Libya-Live.html. Retrieved 24 Mar 2011. 

6. ^ "Libyan forces shoot protesters". Al Jazeera. 25 Feb, 2011. 

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/2011225133345917205.html. Retrieved 25 Feb 2011. 

a b 

7. ^ 

"Libyan troops defect near rebel-held Misrata-rebel". March 12, 2011. 

http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/libyan-govt-forces-launch-attack-on-misrata-rebels/. Retrieved 12 March 2011. 

8. ^ Rebel losses 1 - 54 killed (24 February-6 March),[1] 18 killed (16 March),[2] 2 killed (17 March),[3] 142 killed 

(18-28 March),[4], 38 killed (29-30 March),[5] 1 killed (31 March),[6] total of 244 reported killed 

9. ^ Rebel losses 2 - 400 killed (24 February-28 March),[7] 38 killed (29-30 March),[8] 1 killed (31 March),[9] total 

of 428 reported killed 

10. ^ "Libya: Allied air strikes secure Misrata for rebels". 23 March 2011. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/23/libya-allied-air-strikes-misrata. Retrieved 23 March 2011. 

11. ^ "Libya Fighting Centers on Oil Fields as NATO Weighs Action". 11 March 2011. 

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-11/libya-fighting-centers-on-oil-fields-as-nato-weighs-action.html. Retrieved 

11 March 2011. 

12. ^ 487 wounded (by 1 March),[10] 91 wounded (6 March),[11] 20 wounded (16 March),[12] 15 wounded (17 

March),[13], 1,400 wounded (18-28),[14] total of 2,013 reported wounded 

13. ^ 1 killed (24 February),[15] 14 [16]-22 [17] killed (6 March), 60 [18]-80 [19] killed (March 16), 3 killed (20 

March),[20] 2 killed (23 March),[21] 30 killed March (24),[22] 3 killed (25 March),[23] 1-4 killed (28 March),[24] 26 killed 

(29 March),[25] total of 137-171 reported killed 

14. ^ 2 captured (February 25),[26] 8 captured (February 28),[27] 20 captured (6 March),[28] 20 captured (16 

March),[29] total of 50 reported captured 

15. ^ "Libye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°8". Ministère de la Défense et des anciens combattants. 26 

March 2011. http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/actualites/libye-point-de-situation-operation-harmattan-n-8. 

16. ^ "Libya: France jet destroys pro-Gaddafi plane". BBC. 24 March 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa- 

12850975. Retrieved 25 March 2011.

17. ^ "U.S. military attack three Libyan ships in Misrata". 29 March 2011. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/29/uklibya-misrata-ships-idUKTRE72S1UJ20110329. 


18. ^ "Gadhafi forces strike back at Libya uprising". Associated Press. Feb 24, 2011. 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/24/AR2011022401170.html. Retrieved Feb 25, 2011. 

19. ^ "This Just In !!". Feb17.info. February 24, 2011. http://feb17.info/confirmed/this-just-in/. Retrieved February 25, 

2011. 

20. ^ "Protesters hit by hail of gunfire in Libya march". Associated Press. Feb 25, 2011. 

http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2011/02/25/protesters_hit_by_hail_of_gunfire_in_libya_march/. 

Retrieved Feb 25, 2011. 

21. ^ The Witness 

22. ^ Libya uprising - live updates | World news | guardian.co.uk 

23. ^ Photo slide show: Gadhafi opponents gain ground pro-Gadhafi fighters hold Tripoli - ContraCostaTimes.com 

24. ^ Libya: Medics 'targeted by pro-Gaddafi forces' says Amnesty - Adnkronos Security 

25. ^ Protesters killed in Libya, Yemen as wave of Arab unrest continues 

26. ^ BBC News - Libya revolt as it happened: Monday 

27. ^ Libya: 21 killed in Misrata weekend fighting - Telegraph 

28. ^ Gadhafi launches airstrikes as civil war rages in Libya - CNN.com 

29. ^ Libyan rebels beaten back on the road to Gaddafi's hometown 

30. ^ UPDATE 1-Libyan govt forces launch attack on Misrata-rebels | Reuters 

31. ^ "Gadhafi forces shell oil town as troops advance". March 13, 2011. 

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.aspxfile=data/international/2011/March/international_March735.xml&section= 

international&col=. Retrieved March 13, 2011. 

32. ^ "Libyan forces predict fall of rebel-held Benghazi 'within 48 hours'". 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/16/libya-benghazi-gaddafi-48-hours. Retrieved 16 March, 2011. 

33. ^ "Libya warns over air, sea traffic as UN action looms". http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/libyawarns-over-air-sea-traffic-as-un-action-looms-20110318-1bz9h.html. 


34. ^ Libya Live Blog - March 17 | Al Jazeera Blogs 

35. ^ "Opposition: Violence rages despite Libyan claim of cease-fire". 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/18/libya.civil.war/index.htmlhpt=C1#. Retrieved 18 March, 2011. 

36. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watchv=rSiVshn_vE8&feature=player_embedded 

37. ^ http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/egypts-military-has-begun-shipping-arms-over-the-border-to-libyanrevolutionaries/ 

38. ^ Gadhafi forces attack rebel-held Misrata 

39. ^ BBC News - Live: Libya crisis 

40. ^ "40 killed as Kadhafi forces storm Misrata: medic". 21 March. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/40- 

killed-as-kadhafi-forces-storm-misrata-medic-20110321-1c3hw.html. 

41. ^ "Gaddafi's tanks reach centre of Misrata: residents". March 20. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/20/uslibya-misrata-idUSTRE72J26820110320. 

42. ^ "Gaddafi forces fire on crowd in Misrata: resident". 21 March. http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/- 

/world/9050252/gaddafi-forces-fire-on-crowd-in-misrata-resident/. 

43. ^ "27 killed in ceasefire breach, Libyan says". 22 March. 

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/22/3170602.htmsection=justin. 

44. ^ "Video: Misrata is suffering, Libyan says". 22 March. http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/22/video-misrata-issuffering-libyan-says/. 

45. ^ http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/live-blog-libya-march-22 

46. ^ http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/2011321211920642649.html 

47. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watchv=Wop3C4zrPXI&feature=player_embedded 

48. ^ http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/125532/20110322/libya.htm 

49. ^ http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-23 


51. ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/23/libya-allied-air-strikes-misrata 

52. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12845178 


54. ^ http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/23/us-libya-idUSTRE7270JP201103233 

55. ^ http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/23/libya.war/index.htmlsection=cnn_latest# 


57. ^ http://www.lifeinitaly.com/news/it/forze-gheddafi-prendono-porto-misurata 

58. ^ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/tanks-return-after-fleeing-but-air-force-is-destroyed- 

2251297.html 

59. ^ http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20110324/tpl-uk-libya-misrata-81f3b62.html 

60. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/world/africa/25libya.html 

61. ^ French defence briefing 

62. ^ [30] 

63. ^ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42273580/ns/world_news-africa 

64. ^ "Six killed in Libyan town shelling: rebel". 25 March. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42273580/ns/world_newsafrica. 


66. ^ http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE72P0EU20110326

67. ^ http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/actualites/libye-point-de-situation-operation-harmattan-n-8 


69. ^ http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4048431,00.html 

70. ^ http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/27/libya-misrata-toll-idUSLDE72Q0LP20110327 

71. ^ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/libyan-rebels-close-on-key-gaddafi-stronghold-2255180.html# 

72. ^ http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/27/libya-misrata-rebel-idUKLDE72Q0MK20110327 


74. ^ http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE72R1G520110328 


76. ^ http://srnnews.townhall.com/news/us/2011/03/28/gaddafi_forces_take_part_of_misrata 

77. ^ http://twitter.com/#!/NicRobertsonCNN 


79. ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/28/libya-military-action-live-updates 

80. ^ http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidANA20110329T124038ZETL54 

81. ^ http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/29/libya.war/ 

82. ^ http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/march-29th-updates/ 

83. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watchv=vuTjbu4EyLw&feature=player_profilepage 

84. ^ http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/march-31st-updates/ 

See also 

Wikinews has related news: Libyan city of Misrata reported to be secure after Gaddafi forces retreat 

Battle of Gharyan 


Date 1 March 2011 - 2 March 2011 

Location 

Gharyan, Libya 

Result 



Belligerents 

Anti-Gaddafi Forces 

Libyan People's Army 


Unknown 


Unknown 

The Battle of Gharyan, also known as the Gharyan clashes occurred as part of the 2011 Libyan uprising. It was a battle between 

forces loyal to Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi and the Libyan opposition for control of the town of Gharyan and some nearby 

villages near the country's capital, Tripoli. Gharyan was seen as a strategic town, because it was the largest in the Nafusa Mountains, a 

direct gateway to the Al Jabal al Gharbi District from Tripoli and was part of the defence ring loyalist forces were establishing around 

the capital. 

Early Protests Protests in Gharyan started nearly together with the uprising in the country. Shortly afterwards, the town was reported 

to be under control of the Libyan opposition and not the government of Muammar al-Gaddafi, but protests continued in "liberated" 

Gharyan. [2] 

The Battle On 1 March, Muammar Gaddafi, government troops conducted a counter-attack against the city. Fierce fighting was 

reported in the city. [3] By 2 March, government forces re-gained control of the town, [4][5][6] together with the nearby city of Sabratha, 

located west of Tripoli. [7] It was stated that loyalist forces came into the town, under the cover of darkness, during the night between 

the 1st and 2nd of March. On the morning of 2 March, the rebels realised that the town was overrun by government troops. Soldiers 

had a list of opposition members and started to round up all of the rebels in Gharyan. 

References 

1. ^ Yuboco, Adeline (2 March 2011). "Pro and Anti-Gaddafi groups battle for strategic towns in Libya" (in English). 

Libya: Digital Journal. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/304200. Retrieved 25 March 2011. 

2. ^ "Protests continue in Liberated Gharyan" (in English). Gharyan, Libya: Libyan Revolution Central. February 26, 

2011. http://feb17.info/media/protests-continue-in-liberated-gharyan/. Retrieved 25 March 2011. 

3. ^ Anderson, Gary (6th March 2011). "Libya: 'SAS unit seized' as Colonel Gaddafi troops massacre rebels" (in 

English). Mirror News. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/most-popular/2011/03/06/gaddafi-troops-massacre-rebels-as-theyclose-in-on-his-home-town-115875-22969364/. 


4. ^ Yuboco, Adeline (2 March 2011). "Pro and Anti-Gaddafi groups battle for strategic towns in Libya" (in English). 

Libya: Digital Journal. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/304200. Retrieved 25 March 2011. 

5. ^ "Gadhafi Forces Strike At Rebel-Held Cities" (in English). The Mark. 2 March 2011. 

http://www.themarknews.com/news/open=4256. Retrieved 25 March 2011.

6. ^ " 反對派促聯國炸卡扎菲 " (in Chinese). sina.com.hk. 3 March 2011. 

http://news.sina.com.hk/news/12/1/1/2031968/1.html. Retrieved 25 March 2011. 

7. ^ "Gaddafi regime said to be in control of three towns, near Tripoli" (in English). sify news. 2 March 2011. 

http://www.sify.com/news/gaddafi-regime-said-to-be-in-control-of-three-towns-near-tripoli-news-internationalldcqkbffdde.html. 

Retrieved 25 March 2011.

First Battle of Brega 


Anti-Gaddafi rebels raise the opposition flag eight days after the battle 

Date 2 March 2011 

Location 

Brega, Libya 

Result 

Anti-Gaddafi victory [1] 

• Pro-Gaddafi forces fail to recapture Brega. 

Belligerents 

Anti-Gaddafi forces Libyan People's Army 


Colonel Bashir Abdel-Qader [2] Khaled Kowati [3] 

Strength 

300-350 combatants One tank Dozens of technicals 



Unknown 

200-400 combatants Two fighter jets 50 technicals 

120mm artillery 

14 killed, [4] 12 captured, [5] 28 wounded [6] 2 [7] -10 [8] killed, 4 captured 1 F1 shot down [3] 

The First Battle of Brega [9][10][11] was a battle during the 2011 Libyan uprising. It began when pro-Gaddafi government troops 

attacked the city, held by the Libyan opposition, in the early hours of 2 March 2011. 

The Battle In the early hours of 2 March, well-armed government pro-Gaddafi forces arrived at Brega in over 100 vehicles. They 

succeeded in wresting control of the oil refinery, port, terminal and industry airport, as well as the town university. [12] Coming within 

2-3 kilometers (1-2 mi) from the town center, pro-Gaddafi forces managed to pin down rebel forces. [13] According to a number of 

news sources, rebels were rushed to mobilization and hid in the sand for camouflage. Most were volunteer fighters from the rebelcontrolled 

cities of Ajdabiya and Benghazi. [12][13][14] As the attack was underway, Libyan Air Force pilots loyal to Gaddafi bombed a 

munitions depot at Ajdabiya. However, after a few hours, rebel reinforcements from Ajdabiya arrived in Brega and pushed back pro- 

Gaddafi fighters to the university campus where they came under siege. Moving along the coast, rebel fighters charged over the sand 

dunes on the beach up the hill to the university building, while under constant mortar fire. At one moment, a warplane attacked the 

dunes in an attempt to disperse the rebels, but it caused no casualties, and the siege continued. According to the rebels, the pro- 

Gaddafi forces at the university used civilians as human shields. Government troops eventually withdrew from the university and out 

of the city some 8 kilometers (5 mi) to the west. [13][14] A senior rebel officer stated pro-Gaddafi troops might have run out of 

ammunition and as such were forced to withdraw. [12] It is reported that women and children were dragged out of their cars on the 

Tripoli-Benghazi road by the pro-Gaddafi forces and used as human shields. [15] The government force was retreating to Ra's Lanuf, 

about 120 km west of Brega, [16] after the battle. [17] 

Aftermath 

At least 14 people were initially reported killed in the fighting, though some estimates were as low as five dead. [18] Reporters who 

came in from the Benghazi area saw four dead, two of which were apparently pro-Gaddafi fighters. [7] At least 14 opposition fighters 

were later reported killed and 28 others wounded. Eight of those killed were former oil workers. [19][20] The rebels claimed that they 

killed 10 loyalist soldiers and captured several. [8][21] The assault on the Brega oil port was the first major regime counter-offensive 

against the opposition-held eastern half of Libya, where the population backed by mutinous army units rose up and drove out 

Gaddafi's rule during the first few days of the uprising. [22][23] The offensive came while Gaddafi warned opposition forces that he 

would fight "until the last man and woman." Following the battle, celebrations were held by rebel fighters and residents in Brega and 

Ajdabiya. According to BBC correspondent John Simpson, the rebels were "very proud" and the general feeling in Brega was that

Gaddafi's troops "do not necessarily have their hearts in the job." [12] On 3 March, pro-Gaddafi fighter jets bombed the area between 

the oil refinery and the residential zone in Brega, and rebels also reported an air raid against positions in Ajdabiya. [24][25] Analysts 

believe the Battle of Brega indicates that either side may prove unable to definitely defeat the other. [24] On 4 March, anti-Gaddafi 

fighters launched an attack against Ras Lanuf. On 6 March the rebel advance was stopped in the battle of Bin Jawad and government 

forces reconquered Ras Lanuf on March 10. [26][27] Anti-Gaddafi fighters were reported to have been advising civilians to leave the area 

around Brega in expectation of a second battle. [28] The Second Battle of Brega was fought on 13 March, and by the morning of 14 

March, rebel forces were holding the residential district and loyalist forces were holding the oil facilities. [29] The next day, the town 

fell to the loyalists. 

References 

1. ^ "Libya Rebels Rout Gaddafi Forces In Fierce Battle For Oil Port". The Huffington Post. 2 March 2011. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/02/rebels-gadhafi-forces-battle_n_830137.html. Retrieved 3 March 2011. 

2. ^ "Live Blog - Libya March 2 | Al Jazeera Blogs". Blogs.aljazeera.net. 2011-03-01. 

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/live-blog-libya-march-2. Retrieved 2011-03-13. 

3. ^ 

a b 

Potter, Mitch (2011-03-02). "The Star in Libya: Rebels quash Gadhafi raid". thestar.com. 

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/947638--the-star-in-libya-rebels-quash-gadhafi-raid. Retrieved 2011-03-13. 

4. ^ Libya revolt: Rebels say no talks unless Gaddafi goes. BBC News. 2011-03-03. 

5. ^ "Gaddafi's men poised to strike at Benghazi - Africa, World". The Independent. 1994-01-11. 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/gaddafis-men-poised-to-strike-at-benghazi-2240487.html#. Retrieved 

2011-03-13. 

6. ^ "Inside Libya's Rebel Movement". The Daily Beast. 2011-03-04. http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-andstories/2011-03-04/inside-libyas-rebel-movement/. 


7. ^ a b Libya blog, Live Africa, Al Jazeera, 2 011‐3‐2, http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/live-blog-libya-march-2 

8. ^ a b "Gaddafi stages east Libya offensive, rebels defiant - Yahoo!7". Au.news.yahoo.com. 2011-03-03. 

http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/8942525/gaddafi-stages-east-libya-offensive-rebels-defiant/. Retrieved 2011-03- 

13. 

9. ^ On Air Now: 21:05-22:00 GMT (2011-03-02). "BBC World Service - News - Libya: Battle for Brega". 

Bbc.co.uk. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/news/2011/03/110302_brega_nh_sg.shtml. Retrieved 2011-03-13. 

10. ^ Evan Hill (2011-03-03). "The battle for Brega - Africa". Al Jazeera English. 

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/2011332015604915.html. Retrieved 2011-03-13. 

11. ^ Martin Chulov in Brega, eastern Libya. "Battle for Brega could mark start of real war in Libya | World news". The 

Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/02/libya-civil-war-bregga. Retrieved 2011-03-13. 

12. ^ a b c d Libya rebels celebrate 'victory'. BBC News 2011-03-03. 

13. ^ a b c Bloomfield, Adrian. Libya: rebels in desperate battle to hold ground. The Telegraph. 2011-03-02. 

14. ^ a b Schemm, Paul.Rebels corner fleeing Gadhafi forces after battle. Associated Press and Deseret News. 2011-03- 

02. 

15. ^ Libya: rebels in desperate battle to hold ground by Adrian Blomfeld 

16. ^ "Port Brega, Libya to Ra's Lanuf, Libya - Google Maps". Maps.google.com. 1970-01-01. 

http://maps.google.com/mapsf=d&source=s_d&saddr=Port+Brega,+Ajdabiya,+Libya&daddr=Ra%27s+Lanuf,+Libya&hl= 

en&geocode=FYfqzwEd_zorASmJ4Al_dUuFEzEu6W-CdvZSw%3BFbCL0QEdADQbASllNPl94W6aEzHcgmUU7KKmQA&mra=pd&sll=30.522047,19.37439&sspn=1.670356,3.6 

99646&ie=UTF8&z=10. Retrieved 2011-03-13. 

17. ^ John Simpson (2011-03-04). "BBC News - Libya revolt: Rebels say no talks unless Gaddafi goes". Bbc.co.uk. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12643311. Retrieved 2011-03-13. 

18. ^ "Gadhafi steps up massacre". The Daily Star. 3 March 2011. 

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.aspedition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=125540#axzz1FUMe3C21. Retrieved 3 

March 2011. 

19. ^ Schemm, Paul (2011-03-02). "Rebels corner fleeing Gadhafi forces after battle". Deseret News. 

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700114835/Rebels-corner-fleeing-Gadhafi-forces-after-battle.htmls_cid=rss-14. 


20. ^ "Libya | Battle for Brega as Gaddafi launches attacks". Smh.com.au. 2011-03-03. 

http://www.smh.com.au/world/gaddafis-forces-unleashed-on-rebels-20110302-1bf0f.html. Retrieved 2011-03-13. 

21. ^ PAUL SCHEMM, Associated Press (2011-03-05). "Rebels reinforce key Libyan oil port in east - Connecticut 

Post". Ctpost.com. http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Rebels-tighten-hold-on-Libya-oil-port-1039614.php. Retrieved 2011- 

03-13. 

22. ^ Moammar Gadhafi vows to fight to the last drop of blood, On deadline, USA Today, 2 011‐3, 

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/03/moammar-gadhafi-vows-to-fight-to-the-last-drop-ofblood/1 

23. ^ Libyan Air Force bombs Brega, News, Neon Tommy, 2 011‐3, http://m.neontommy.com/news/2011/03/libyanair-force-bombs-brega 

24. ^ a b Marcus, Jonathan. Libya stalemate presents diplomatic challenges. BBC News. 2011-03-03. 

25. ^ Libyan cities under renewed attack. Al-Jazeera English. 2011-03-03. 

26. ^ "Rebel forces retreat from Ras Lanuf". Al Jazeera. 10 March 2011. 

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201131041228856242.html. Retrieved 10 March 2011. 

27. ^ "Rebel push stalls outside Ras Lanuf". Al Jazeera. 10 March 2011. 

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/spotlight/libya/2011/03/2011310131427537949.html. Retrieved 10 March 2011. 

28. ^ Ben Wedeman (CNN) (10 March 2011). "Anti-Qaddafi forces advising civilians (...)". 

http://twitter.com/bencnn/status/45908404803354624. Retrieved 10 March 2011.

29. ^ "Libya's war: Loyalist forces launch dual offensive as Gaddafi bribes opposition". Mail Online. 2011-03-15. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1366151/Libyas-war-Loyalist-forces-launch-dual-offensive-Gaddafi-bribesopposition.html. 


Battle of Ra's Lanuf 


Date 4 March 2011 – 5 March 2011 (First phase) [1] 6 March 2011 – 12 March 2011 (Second phase) [2] 

Location 

Result 

Belligerents 

Ra's Lanuf, Libya 

Temporary Anti-Gaddafi victory after the First phase; Ultimately Pro-Gaddafi victory after the Second phase 



Gen. Abdul Fatah Younis 

Strength 


Unknown 

Saaiqa 36 Battalion [3] 500-1,000 volunteers [4] 3,000 (First phase) [5] four battalions (Second phase) [6] 


16-26 rebels killed (First phase) [7][8] 

20 rebels killed (Second phase/bombardment) [9] 

15 killed, 65 missing (Second phase/ground fighting) [10][11] 

20 mutinous loyalists executed [12] 

Total dead & missing: 136-146 killed or missing 

Total captured: 1,500 (Government claim) [13] 

2 [14] -25 [7] soldiers killed, 2 pilots killed, 1 Su- 

24MK shot down [15] (First phase) 

Unknown (Second phase) 

The Battle of Ra's Lanuf was a battle between forces loyal to Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi and the Libyan opposition for 

control of the town of Ra's Lanuf. It followed the Battle of Brega which occurred two days before in the town Brega, roughly 80 miles 

(129 km) to the east of Ra's Lanuf. [16][17] After conquering the town on 4 March, the rebels pushed further west to attack Sirt but they 

were driven back by government forces and on 11 March, government troops reconquered most of Ra's Lanuf. [18][19][20] 

The battle 

First phase According to the rebels, the loyalist forces used heavy weapons and helicopters to attack them one kilometre from the 

airport. One rebel reported seeing four men in front of him killed by an explosion. [21] Rebels reported that there were defections from 

the local pro-Gaddafi military base in Ra's Lanuf. [22] Sometime during the night, rebel forces managed to capture the entire town of 

Ras Lanuf, including the airport and military base. [23][24] Following the capture of the base, the rebels claimed to have found the bodies 

of 20 soldiers who were executed after they refused to open fire on rebel forces. [12][25][26][27] 

In addition to the 20 mutinous soldiers who were reportedly executed, according to the rebels, various numbers of dead had been 

reported. 16 [7] dead were reported on the rebel side with 31 wounded, [28] and two [14] to 25 [7] loyalists ground troops were reportedly 

killed in addition to two loyalist pilots. [29] One Libyan Air Force jet bomber was reported to have been shot down outside Ra's Lanuf 

on 5 March, by anti-Gaddafi rebels. [30] 

Second phase On 6 March, as the rebels were advancing from Ra's Lanuf toward Sirt, they were ambushed by Gaddafi's troops at Bin 

Jawad, and decimated. [19] After that, they made a hasty retreat toward Ra's Lanuf where they were bombarded for four days. During 

the next three days of constant air, tank and naval bombardment of the frontlines at Ra's Lanuf, 20 rebels were killed and at least 65 

wounded. [9] On 10 March, the BBC reported that troops loyal to Col Muammar Gadfafi had cleared rebels from Ras Lanuf. A rebel 

fighter told AFP news agency, "We've been defeated. They are shelling and we are running away. That means that they're taking Ras 

Lanuf." Gaddafi attacked the city with tanks and artillery from the west and the south, ships fired upon the city from the north, while 

airplanes bombed the town. [31] Rebel reinforcements from the east tried to enter the city, but were immediately attacked and a rebel 

commander reported dozens of his fighters were killed and many others missing. [13] Later that evening, most rebel forces had retreated 

from the town and were trying to set up a line of defense east of the city, while some hard-core opposition fighters were continuing to 

put up resistance in Ra's Lanuf. Four opposition fighters were confirmed killed during the fighting, 36 were wounded [32] and 65 were 

missing. [33] By the evening of the 10th, all major news media were reporting that the town had fallen with large numbers of rebel 

fighters killed or captured, despite a denial from the rebel-led council in Benghazi. [34] The government claimed that an estimated 

1,500 rebel fighters had been captured. [13] After the battle anti-Gaddafi fighters advised civilians to leave the area around Brega in 

expectation of continuing advances by government forces. [35] On the morning of 11 March, the first loyalist ground troops entered the 

town with 150 soldiers, backed up by three tanks, and managed to get to the city center. At the same time, four transport boats came in 

from the sea and unloaded 40-50 soldiers each on the beach near the Fadeel hotel. They were engaged by hard-core rebel remnants, 

who had not retreated from Ra's Lanuf the previous day. [20] Government troops captured the residential area, but the rebels continued 

to hold out in the oil port facilities for a few hours before they too retreated from Ra's Lanuf east of the city. The town had fallen. 

However, in the afternoon, the rebels regrouped, mounted a counteroffensive and managed to expel the loyalist forces from the 

eastern part of the town. [36] Government soldiers still held the western part of the city and a stalemate soon developed. [37] On 12 

March, rebels fighting in Ras Lanuf retreated in the afternoon to the town of Uqayla west of Marsa Brega [38] and rebel leaders

confirmed that pro-Gaddafi forces had driven them 20 km out of the town and captured the oil refinery. [2] Later during the day, the 

government took foreign journalists to the city for confirmation of the town's fall. [39] 

Aftermath After the battle the town was firmly in loyalist hands and government troops advanced further east taking the towns of 

Brega and Ajdabiya and arriving to Benghazi. However, on 19 March, a military intervention by the UN started. The air strikes by 

Coalition aircraft pushed back government troops which allowed the rebels to retake a string of towns. On 27 March, pro-Gaddafi 

forces in Ra's Lanuf were observed retreating towards Sirt. This allowed the anti-Gaddafi forces to retake control of the city. [40][41] 

However, this would not last and once again, just three days later, government troops routed the rebels during a counter-attack from 

Ra's Lanuf on 30 March, taking back the town. [42] 

References 

1. ^ "Libya: Gaddafi forces push rebels from Ras Lanuf". BBC News. 2011-03-10. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldafrica-12703369. 


2. ^ a b "Libya: Gaddafi troops take rebel oil town". BBC. 12 March 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa- 


3. ^ "Gadhafi showers strategic oil port with rockets". March 10, 2011. 

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gfUGuTVpkLLbUgHna__pUmUV__fAdocId=8eb17692d31943d8 

99b902d331525575. Retrieved March 10, 2011. 

4. ^ Schemm, Paul; Michael, Maggie (2011-03-06). "Libya forces try to halt rebel move toward capital". Houston 

Chronicle. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7459612.html. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

5. ^ "Gadhafi forces battle rebels as 37 killed in Libya". 4 March 2011. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2011- 

03-04-libya-protests_N.htm. 

6. ^ "Libyan Rebels Driven Out Of Strategic Coastal City". March 10, 2011. 

a b c d 

7. ^ 

"Gaddafi forces accused of 'massacre' as battles rage". Channel NewsAsia. 2011-03-06. 

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1114628/1/.html. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

8. ^ "In Libya, Both Sides Gird for Long War as Civilian Toll Mounts". 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/06/world/africa/06libya.html. Retrieved 5 March 2011. 

a b 

9. ^ 

"Oil-rich town of Ras Lanuf a major battleground". 10 March 2011. 

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.aspfile=/2011/3/10/nation/8224848&sec=nation. 

10. ^ "Libya rebels appeal for aid". March 11, 2011. http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/226199/libyan-rebelsfight-back-west-divided. 


11. ^ "Gadhafi forces show control of key Libyan city". 11 March 2011. 

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/03/11/2717740/gadhafi-forces-show-control-of.html#. 

a b 

12. ^ "In Libya, Kadafi's forces launch assault on rebel-held city". 5 March 2011. 

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-libya-fighting-20110305,0,1357974.storytrack=rss. 

13. ^ a b c "Libya Live Blog - March 10". March 10, 2011. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march- 

10-0#. Retrieved March 10, 2011. 

a b 

14. ^ 

Pfeiffer, Tom. "Death toll rises in east from fighting, blast". Reuters. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/05/us-libya-east-idUSTRE72403Z20110305. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

15. ^ "Gunfire rings out in Libyan capital". CNN.com. 2011-03-05. 

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/05/libya.conflict/index.html. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

16. ^ "Libya: Fierce day of raids and clashes signals shift to civil war". The Guardian. 4 March 2011 19.19 GMT. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/04/libya-rebels-civil-war-gaddafi. Retrieved 4 March 2011. 

17. ^ "Kämpfe in Libyen: Rebellen gegen Regime" (in German). Der Spiegel. 4 March 2011. 

http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-65343.html. Retrieved 4 March 2011. 

18. ^ "Rebel forces retreat from Ras Lanuf". Al Jazeera. 10 March 2011. 


a b 

19. ^ 

"Rebel push stalls outside Ras Lanuf". Al Jazeera. 10 March 2011. 

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/spotlight/libya/2011/03/2011310131427537949.html. Retrieved 10 March 2011. 

20. ^ a b "Gaddafi forces enter key oil port". 11 March 2011. http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Gaddafi-forcesenter-key-oil-port-20110311. 


21. ^ "Gaddafi forces hit rebels east and west". 4 March 2011. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/gaddafiforces-hit-rebels-east-and-west/story-e6frg6so-1226016290063. 

22. ^ "Amazing: Anderson Cooper grills Gaddafi spokesman on hallucinogenic pills | Libya February 17th". 

Libyafeb17.com. 2011-03-04. http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/breaking-clashes-in-ras-lanuf-west-of-ajdabiya/. 


23. ^ "Reuters - World - Mar 04, 2011 - Libyan rebels take oil town of Ras Lanuf: rebels". RealClearWorld. 2011-03- 

04. 

http://www.realclearworld.com/news/reuters/international/2011/Mar/04/libyan_rebels_take_oil_town_of_ras_lanuf__rebels. 

html. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

24. ^ "Libyan rebels take oil town of Ras Lanuf- rebels". Reuters. 2011-03-04. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/04/libya-port-idUSLDE72320420110304. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

25. ^ "Rival Successes In Libya Hint At Protracted Battle". 5 March 2011. 

http://www.npr.org/2011/03/05/134287434/rebel-towns-defenses-overcome-by-gadhafi-forces. 

26. ^ "Syrian Pilots Shot Down in Libya". 6 March 2011. http://politifi.com/news/Syrian-Pilots-Shot-Down-in-Libya- 

1700424.html. 

27. ^ "Rebel advance on Tripoli thwarted". 9 March 2011. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/rebel-advanceon-tripoli-thwarted/story-e6frg6so-1226018015977. 

28. ^ Jawwad, Bin (2011-03-05). "Libya forces try to halt rebel move toward capital". USA Today. 

http://www.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2011-03-05-2450814691_x.htm. Retrieved 2011-03-19.

29. 

[dead link] 

^ [1] 

30. ^ "Gaddafi and rebel forces in heavy clashes in town of Zawiya". 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8363927/Gaddafi-and-rebel-forces-in-heavyclashes-in-town-of-Zawiya.html. 


31. ^ "Rebels forced from Libyan oil port". The BBC. March 10, 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa- 

12703369. Retrieved March 10, 2011. 

32. ^ "Libyan troops enter Ras Lanuf". The BBC. March 11, 2011. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/11/libyan-troops-enter-ras-lanuf. Retrieved March 11, 2011. 

33. ^ "Gadhafi showers strategic oil port with rockets". The BBC. March 10, 2011. 

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gfUGuTVpkLLbUgHna__pUmUV__fAdocId=8eb17692d31943d8 

99b902d331525575. Retrieved March 10, 2011. 

34. ^ "Qaddafi Forces Take Back Strategic Town From Rebels". March 10, 2011. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/11/world/africa/11libya.html_r=1&&pagewanted=all. Retrieved March 10, 2011. 

35. ^ Ben Wedeman (CNN) (10 March 2011). "Anti-Qaddafi forces advising civilians (...)". 

http://twitter.com/bencnn/status/45908404803354624. Retrieved 10 March 2011. 

36. ^ "Rebels repel Gaddafi assault on Libya oil port". March 11, 2011. 

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.aspfile=/2011/3/12/worldupdates/2011-03-11T220327Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_- 

554981-4&sec=Worldupdates. Retrieved March 11, 2011. 

37. ^ "Rebels, Gaddafi forces skirmish over "ghost town"". March 11, 2011. 

http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFLDE72A1WR20110311. Retrieved March 11, 2011. 

38. ^ "Libya". Reuters. 12 March 2011. 

39. ^ "Gadhafi pushes ahead as Arab League debates help". 12 March 2011. 

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7469374.html. Retrieved 12 March 2011. 

40. ^ http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/video-revolutionaries-take-ras-lanuf-brega-uqayla-bin-jawad/ 



Battle of Bin Jawad 



Gen. Abdul Fatah Younis 

Belligerents 



Unknown 

Strength 

500-1,000 [2] 1,500 [3] 


12 [4] -60 [5] killed, 700 missing (unconfirmed), [6] 60 

wounded [7] at least 1 killed [8] 1 helicopter shot down [9] 

The Battle of Bin Jawad was a battle between forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and the Libyan opposition for control 

of the town of Bin Jawad. On 5 March 2011, following the Battle of Ra's Lanuf, rebel forces advanced along the Mediterranean coast 

and captured the town of Bin Jawad. They stopped during the night in the hamlet and planned to continue on to Sirte in the 

morning. [10][11] During the evening, the opposition forces pulled back to Ra's Lanuf so they could prepare to continue their push to the 

west. [12] On the morning of 6 March, the rebels were on the move again and were passing through Bin Jawad, when they have realized 

that loyalist forces have entered the town the previous night and took up positions in houses and on rooftops in preparation for an 

ambush. Government troops opened fire on the rebels with machine guns and RPG's and the opposition forces were soon in full 

retreat toward Ra's Lanuf. During the chaos, about 50 rebel fighters were left behind and trapped inside a Bin Jawad mosque. An 

opposition force in 20 pickup trucks tried to surge back into the city and rescue them, but was hit by artillery fire and one truck was 

destroyed. The rest of the convoy quickly retreated back to the edges of the town. [13] Gaddafi's forces had retaken Bin Jawad. [14] As the 

rebels were retreating east of Bin Jawad, they were hit by helicopter and air strikes. After getting a chance to regroup, rebels moved 

up several multiple-rocket launchers from Ra's Lanuf and fired toward Bin Jawad. However, loyalist troops had also pulled up their 

heavy weapons and an artillery duel followed. [15] The new rebel frontline was established three kilometers east of the town. [16] During 

the fighting, one military helicopter was reported to have been shot down by the rebels and crashed in the sea. [17][18] Meanwhile in Ra's 

Lanuf, loyalist air strikes hit the air base, held by the rebels. At least two people were killed and 40 wounded. [19] By the morning of 7 

March, the BBC reported that the town was under the control of government forces and they were advancing on Ra's Lanuf. [20] On 9 

March, the rebels attempted to move against Bin Jawad once more. However, after firing off around 50 rockets and making some 

advances, they were hit by artillery and air strikes and retreated to Ra's Lanuf. [21][22] According to the rebels, at least 50-60 fighters 

were killed in the initial fighting on 6 March, and, per one fighter, another 700 were reportedly missing after what was described by 

the opposition as a "massacre" of rebel fighters. [23]

Aftermath The Battle of Bin Jawad marked the end of the initial rebel offensive. Proving to be the high-water mark of the rebel 

offensive, it marked the end of the rebel advance westward at the time, and opened the way for a government counter-offensive that 

took pro-Gaddafi forces as far as the gates of Benghazi, before being pushed back by UN intervention.On 27 March, rebels entered 

Bin Jawad after coalition air-strikes on tanks positioned there, and managed to recapture the town. [24][25] However, on 29 March, they 

retreated once again under heavy artillery fire from loyalist forces. 

See also Late March 2011 Libyan rebel offensive 

References 

1. ^ "Libya's Rebels Forced Back From Bin Jawad After Ambush By Gaddafi Troops". Sky News. 

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Libya-Rebels-Forced-Back-From-Bin-Jawad-After-Ambush-By-Gaddafi- 

Troops/Article/201103115946506. Retrieved March 29, 2011. 

2. ^ http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7459612.html 

3. ^ http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/rebel-advance-on-tripoli-thwarted/story-e6frg6so-1226018015977 

4. ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8366137/Libya-21-killed-in-Misrataweekend-fighting.html 

5. ^ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/gaddafis-men-poised-to-strike-at-benghazi-2240487.html# 

6. ^ "Oil-rich town of Ras Lanuf a major battleground". 10 March 2011. 


7. ^ http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/Libyan+rebels+advance+Jawad/4392134/story.html 

8. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/05/AR2011030504106.html 

9. ^ http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/06/3156507.htm 

10. ^ http://www.latimes.com/news/la-fg-libya-rebels-20110306,0,6402754.storytrack=rss 

11. ^ http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/03/05/1900163/frontlines-hard-to-find-in-libyas.html# 

12. ^ http://www.bayoubuzz.com/Worldwide-News/libyan-rebels-fight-artillery-duel-with-army-reuters.html 

13. ^ http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2011/03/07/libya-forces-try-halt-rebel-move-toward-capital-143492 

14. ^ http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110306/local/frustrated-libyan-rebels-angry-at-bin-jawad-defeat 

15. ^ http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE7250D920110306pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 

16. ^ http://www.bayoubuzz.com/Worldwide-News/libyan-rebels-fight-artillery-duel-with-army-reuters.html 

17. ^ http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/06/3156507.htm 

18. ^ 

http://www.repubblica.it/esteri/2011/03/06/dirette/libia_il_regime_e_tregua_ma_i_ribelli_continuano_ad_avanzare- 

13246104/ref=HREA-1 


20. ^ "Libya: Pro-Gaddafi forces check rebel advance". The BBC. 7 March, 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldafrica-12663513. 

Retrieved 7 March, 2011. 

21. ^ http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1115397/1/.html 

22. ^ http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/rebels-retreat-in-chaos-to-libyan-oil-town-20110310-1bo7d.html 

23. ^ "Oil-rich town of Ras Lanuf a major battleground". 10 March 2011. 


24. ^ http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_649954.html 

25. ^ http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/video-revolutionaries-take-ras-lanuf-brega-uqayla-bin-jawad/ 

Second Battle of Brega 


Date 13 March 2011 – 15 March 2011 

Location 

Brega, Libya 

Result 



Belligerents 

Anti-Gaddafi forces Libyan People's Army 


Gen. Abdul Fatah Younis (Commander in Chief) 

Colonel Bashir Abdel-Qader [2] Khaled Kowati [3] 

Strength 


Unknown 

2,000 [4] Unknown 


7 killed [5] 25 killed, [6] 71 captured [7] 

The Second Battle of Brega was a battle during the 2011 Libyan uprising. More than 10 days earlier, anti-Gaddafi forces beat back 

an attempt by loyalist forces to take the town on 2 March 2011, in the First Battle of Brega. Following that battle rebel forces

advanced along the coast taking the towns of Ra's Lanuf and Bin Jawad. However, after the Battle of Bin Jawad and the Battle of Ra's 

Lanuf, government troops retook all of the territory lost and were once again threatening Brega by mid-March. On 13 March, regime's 

forces, advancing from Ra's Lanuf, succeeded in retaking Brega, though that night reports indicated that fighting was still ongoing and 

rebels possibly still controlled portions of the town. [8][9] Reportedly, the rebels re-entered the town and heavy fighting ensued, after 

which government troops retreated to Brega's airport. [6] However, just an hour later, it was stated that loyalist forces had pushed back 

rebel troops from the town to aj-Ojela, 20 kilometers east of Brega. [10] By the morning of 14 March, rebel forces were holding the 

residential district and loyalist forces were holding the oil facilities. [4] On 15 March, rebel forces had abandoned Brega and were in 

full retreat towards Ajdabiya. Ajdabiya itself came under ground attack just a few hours later and by the evening there were 

conflicting reports that rebels had either retreated from Ajdabiya too or there was still some fighting in the city, however it was 

confirmed that loyalist forces had entered the city center. [11] On 26 March, several reports that opposition forces had recaptured 

Ajdabiya and Brega were published. [12][13][14][15] 

References 

1. ^ "Gaddafi forces seize key town". http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/9017650/gaddafi-forces-seize-key-town/. 


2. ^ "Live Blog - Libya March 2 | Al Jazeera Blogs". Blogs.aljazeera.net. 2011-03-01. 


3. ^ Potter, Mitch (2011-03-02). "The Star in Libya: Rebels quash Gadhafi raid". thestar.com. 

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/947638--the-star-in-libya-rebels-quash-gadhafi-raid. Retrieved 2011-03-13. 

4. ^ a b "Libya's war: Loyalist forces launch dual offensive as Gaddafi bribes opposition". Mail Online. 2011-03-15. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1366151/Libyas-war-Loyalist-forces-launch-dual-offensive-Gaddafi-bribesopposition.html. 


5. ^ 5 on 14 March,[1] 2 on 15 March[2], total of 7 reported killed 

6. ^ a b "Libyan rebels regain control of Brega". RTÉ News. 2011-03-13. http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0313/libya.html. 


7. ^ "Rebels reclaim Brega from Gaddafi forces after fierce fighting". MaltaToday. 

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/world/libya-rebels-reclaim-brega-from-gaddafi-forces-after-fierce-fighting. Retrieved 

2011-03-25. 

8. ^ "Libya Live Blog - March 13". Al Jazeera. March 13, 2011. Archived from the original on March 13, 2011. 

http://www.webcitation.org/5xA7D0HET. Retrieved March 13, 2011. 

9. ^ "Libya: Gaddafi troops 'force rebels out of Brega'". BBC News Online. March 13, 2011. Archived from the 

original on March 13, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5xA7Id6qC. Retrieved March 13, 2011. 

10. ^ By RYAN LUCAS and DIAA HADID , Associated Press (2011-03-14). "Gadhafi warplanes strike rebel-held 

Libya city". StarTribune.com. http://www.startribune.com/world/117894904.html. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

11. ^ "Libya Feb17blog with source from Al Jazeera Arabic - March 15". Al Jazeera Arabic. 

http://www.libyafeb17.com/. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 

12. ^ http://feb17.info/live-libya-unrest/live-libyan-unrest-march-26-2011/ 

13. ^ BBC 

14. ^ CNN 

15. ^ Al Jazeera 


Wikinews has related news: 

• Libyan government forces capture eastern town from rebels 

• Libyan rebels retake town of Brega 

Battle of Ajdabiya 


Date 

Location 

Result 

15 March 2011 – 17 March 2011 (First phase) 21 March 2011 – 26 March 2011 (Second phase) 

Ajdabiya, Libya 

Temporary Pro-Gaddafi victory in capturing the crossroads and much of the town after the First phase; [1][2][3] 

Ultimately Anti-Gaddafi victory after the Second phase [4] 

Belligerents 

Anti-Gaddafi Forces Libyan People's Army Free 

Libyan Air Force 


UN no-fly Zone [5] NATO command [6] 

• France [7] UK [8] US [9] 

Strength 

Saaiqa 36 Battalion Several hundred Four battalions (including some elements of the Khamis Brigade)

volunteers 2 fighter jets, 3 helicopters 


Air support (until 18 March) 

136 killed, [10] 20 killed, 20 captured, 3 tanks destroyed, 4-7 tanks captured, 2 armed oil tankers sunk and 1 

175 

missing, [11] damaged (First phase, unconfirmed rebel claims) [14][15][16] 

250 

wounded,* [12] 1 armed oil tanker damaged (First phase, independently confirmed) [17] 

at least 1 

tank destroyed [13] 21 killed, [18] 6 captured, [19] 24+ tanks, armored vehicles and mobile rocket launchers destroyed 

or captured [20] (Second phase) 

25 [21] -30 [22] civilians killed (unconfirmed by 17 March) 

*Numbers of killed, missing or wounded on the rebel side include civilians. 

The Battle of Ajdabiya was an armed battle in and near the city of Ajdabiya that took place as part of the 2011 Libyan uprising. It 

was fought between anti-government rebels and military forces loyal to the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Following the Second 

Battle of Brega, in which pro-Gaddafi forces captured the town, Ajdabiya was the only major rebel-held city left en route to the rebel 

capital of Benghazi. The battle for Ajdabiya had been cited as a potential turning point in the conflict on which the fate of the whole 

rebellion against the Gaddafi government may be decided. [23] On 26 March 2011, Libyan rebels, backed by extensive allied air raids, 

seized control of the frontline oil town of Ajdabiya from Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's forces. [24] During the first phase of the battle, 

pro-Gaddafi forces seized the strategic road junction leading to Benghazi and Tobruk, and captured most of the city. The city centre 

remained in rebel hands, but was surrounded by pro-government forces and cut off from outside assistance. After the second phase, 

anti-Gaddafi forces recaptured the road junction and cleared loyalist forces from the city, sending them retreating down the road 

towards Sirte. Prior to the battle Ajdabiya was the site of anti-government protests on February 16-17, 2011 in which up to 10 

people were said to have been killed, some by pro-government snipers. [25] Protesters quickly took control of the city and declared it to 

be a "Free City" after burning down the local government headquarters. [26] 

First phase On 15 March 2011, government forces advancing from Brega (which they had captured just a few hours earlier) hit 

Ajdabiya with a rolling artillery barrage. Air and naval strikes also hit the city. The city had been subjected to air strikes for the 

previous three days. Rebels had stated on 13 March, that they would defend the city to the death. However, as soon as the attack 

started, all of the rebel forces that were not local (from Ajdabiya) were in full retreat, with some of the civilian population, toward 

Benghazi. Following the artillery strikes, loyalist ground troops attacked. The rebels had expected the loyalists to come in from the 

west, and they did. However, another separate government force had outflanked the rebels and attacked the city from the south. The 

loyalists quickly overran the western rebel defences and took the western gate into the city. Also, government soldiers had taken the 

eastern gate of the city, preventing any more rebels from retreating toward Benghazi. The city was surrounded and the junction at 

Ajdabiyah was under government control, opening the way for them to Benghazi. After the encirclement was complete, government 

battle tanks went into Ajdabiya all the way to the city center. They encountered the rebel remnants and street fighting ensued. While 

the fighting was going on in the streets, two old rebel air-attack fighters, sent from Benghazi, attacked the government naval ships that 

had been pounding the city from the sea. According to independent news sources, only one ship was hit, while the rebels claimed they 

hit three warships, of which two sank. After a few hours, most of the city was under government control, however, in order to avoid 

surprise attacks by hidden rebels during the night, the tanks retreated to the outskirts of the city. The rebels thought they had won. 

However, just before midnight, a new round of artillery fire hit Ajdabiya, coming from the loyalist forces that were all around the 

town. [14][27][28][29] On 16 March, fighting continued with neither side having the upper hand in the battle or in full control of the 

town. [30] Government forces returning from the front said in interviews that rebel resistance was fierce. During the day, a force of 

rebel reinforcements, coming from Benghazi, came to within a few kilometers from the eastern entrance to the city before they were 

engaged by loyalist troops. They made a small corridor to link up Benghazi with Ajdabiya, but pro-Gaddafi troops still had a strong 

presence on the eastern outskirts of the city. Also, rebels had managed to retake the southern entrance to the city, while the western 

entrance was still under government control. Three rebel helicopters had attacked pro-Gaddafi forces on the highway at the west 

entrance where they were preparing for a final push into the city with more weapons, ammunition and troop reinforcements coming in 

from Sirte. [13][31] Just after midnight on 17 March, government troops attacked the southern gate of the city. After three hours of 

fighting they had retaken it. Later during the morning loyalist forces closed the corridor on the eastern side of the city. With this, the 

city was once again firmly surrounded. While the fighting was going on in Ajdabiya, more government troops landed from the sea, in 

an amphibious attack, at the small oil port town of Zueitina, that is to the north on the road between Ajdabiya and Benghazi. The town 

fell quickly to loyalist forces. [32] However, rebel leaders claimed that they had surrounded the government landing force and were 

engaging them. [33] The next day the rebels claimed, several of their fighters, along with a number of civilians, were killed and 20 

government soldiers captured in fighting at the port. [34] 

Second phase With a no-fly zone put in place on 19 March, and air-strikes on Gaddafi's force's supply and tank convoys, the rebels 

on 20 March, started an advance from Benghazi to attempt to reach Ajdabiya. [35] Along the way, they retook the town of Zueitina. [36] 

On 21 March, advancing rebel forces from Benghazi attempted to attack Ajdabiya, trying to relieve the rebels inside the city and drive 

out the loyalist troops. However, their attack was repelled by government troops supported by fire from tanks multiple rocket 

launchers. The rebels retreated to a checkpoint 12 miles from the city. [37][38][39] That night, U.S. aircraft fired on some loyalist positions 

at Ajdabiya, that were reported to be shelling the city. [9] The next morning, rebels, along with a Guardian reporter that was with them, 

claimed that the plumes of smoke from the city were from government targets that were hit by the U.S. air-strikes the previous 

night. [40] The rebels claimed that at least three loyalist tanks were destroyed at the eastern entrance to the city by Coalition airstrikes. 

[41] An Al Jazeera news crew filmed the wreckage of one tank at a checkpoint that was established by the rebels as part of the 

frontline. [42] On 23 March, coalition jets launched air-strikes against Gaddafi forces at the eastern gate. [43] People fleeing the city stated 

that only the center of the city remained in rebel hands while the suburbs were under government control. [44] Reporters from the 

Independent were led on a two-day tour of Ajdabiya by the government and saw no evidence of large-scale destruction that was 

claimed by the rebels. [45] On 24 March, Gaddafi's forces were still holding the main east and west gate areas of the city and most of the 

town, except the city centre, and managing to hold off the advancing rebel troops from entering the city with the help of mortar and 

artillery fire. [46] Late on 24 March, some outside rebel forces managed to get into Ajdabiya, and the situation in the city was becoming

fluid, with large parts of the town changing sides. [46] During the night, British fighter jets launched air-strikes on Gaddafi force's tanks 

and armored vehicles. [8] By 25 March, the western and central part of the city were controlled by the loyalists while the eastern part 

was controlled by the rebels. [47] Early in the morning, the opposition council relayed a message to Gaddafi's forces in the city through 

local tribal leaders. They called upon the loyalists to lay down their weapons and surrender. However, government troops refused the 

offer of surrender and the rebels were starting to mass on the edge of the city for an offensive to attack Ajdabiya. During the 

afternoon, four rebel multiple rocket launchers, that were brought to the frontline, started firing on loyalist positions. Government 

artillery responded to the attack. [48] Just before evening, the rebel offensive on the Gaddafi controlled areas of the city was called off 

after forward rebel units were repelled by loyalist armored units at the gates of the town further continuing the stalemate. [49] During 

the night, some rebel units were still managing to get into the city through the corridor established the previous evening [50] and British 

aircraft destroyed seven loyalist tanks in and around the city. [51] By this point, the city was divided between the loyalist-held western 

side and the rebel-held eastern side. On 26 March, rebel fighters in Ajdabiya claimed to be in control of the city, a claim confirmed by 

Al Jazeera reporters on the ground. [52] Libya's Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim said government forces pulled out of Ajdabiya 

after another night of coalition strikes, Reuters reports. He accused Western forces of directly aiding the rebels. [53] Rebels then headed 

to Marsa Brega and managed to capture the city. [54][55] Al Jazeera received reports that pro-Gaddafi Libyan army general Bilgasim al- 

Ganga was captured by rebels during the night of 25 March. [54] 

References 

1. ^ http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20110327/twl-libyan-rebels-seize-control-of-key-o-3fd0ae9.html 

2. ^ http://news.yahoo.com/s/dailybeast/20110327/ts_dailybeast/13170_libyanrebelsreturntoajdabiya_1 

3. ^ http://www.1310news.com/news/world/article/203263--airstrikes-force-gadhafi-retreat-rebels-clinch-hold-oneast-with-fall-of-ajdabiya 




6. ^ "Nato takes control of enforcing Libya no-fly zone". March 25, 2011. http://www.dawn.com/2011/03/25/nato-toenforce-no-fly-zone-over-libya.html. 


7. ^ "Allies hit Kadhafi forces as NATO put Canadian in charge". Yahoo! News. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110325/wl_africa_afp/libyaconflict. Retrieved 2011-03-27. 

8. ^ a b "Military Operations | RAF Tornados attack Libyan armoured vehicles". UK Ministry of Defence. 2007-02-20. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RafTornadosAttackLibyanArmouredVehicles.htm. 


9. ^ 

a b 

"Coalition Watching Qaddafi Son’s Elite Unit, U.S. Commander Saysl". 2011-03-23. 

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-23/coalition-watching-qaddafi-son-s-elite-unit-u-s-commander-says.html. 

10. ^ 30 bodies at the hospital on 17 March[1], 3 bodies at the western entrance to the city,[2] 2 killed on 18 March[3], 

82 killed inside the city from 21 March to 26 March,[4] 8 killed outside the city on 21 March,[5] 2 killed outside the city on 

22 March,[6][7] 9 killed outside the city on 23 March,[8] total of 136 reported killed 

11. ^ "Libya Live Blog - March 28". http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-28#. Retrieved 2011- 

03-28. 

12. ^ Sherlock, Ruth. "Fear and defiance as forces battle for Ajdabiya". Scotsman.com News. 

http://news.scotsman.com/world/Fear-and-defiance-as-forces.6740082.jp. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

13. ^ a b "Rebels battle to hold city under Gadhafi siege". http://www.fox4now.com/Global/story.aspS=14260354. 


14. ^ 

a b 

"Rumors from an Encircled Town: The Fate of Ajdabiyah". March 15, 2011. 

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2059229,00.htmlxid=rss-world. Retrieved March 15, 2011. 

15. ^ "Keeping with the Libyan revolution as it happens". Libya February 17th. http://www.libyafeb17.com/. Retrieved 

2011-03-25. 

16. ^ "Rebel fighter jets 'sink Gaddafi warships'". March 16, 2011. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breakingnews/rebel-fighter-jets-sink-gaddafi-warships/story-e6frf7jx-1226022184995. 


17. ^ "Libye: les insurgés contrôlent Ajdabiya". March 15, 2011. http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2011/03/15/97001- 

20110315FILWWW00661-libye-les-insurges-controlent-ajdabiya.php. Retrieved March 15, 2011. 

18. ^ "Rebels seize key Libyan towns". March 27, 2011. 

http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspxid=594095&vId=2282344&cId=Top%20Stories&play=true. Retrieved 

March 27, 2011. 

19. ^ "Libyan Rebels Return to Ajdabiya". March 26, 2011. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/dailybeast/20110327/ts_dailybeast/13170_libyanrebelsreturntoajdabiya_1. Retrieved March 26, 

2011. 

20. ^ "Libya rebels recapture key town". March 26, 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12869658. 


21. ^ "Four New York Times journalists missing in Libya". March 16, 2011. 

http://www.northjersey.com/news/031611_Four_New_York_Times_journalists_missing_in_Libya.html. Retrieved March 

16, 2011. 

22. ^ "Libya: Gaddafi's Forces 'Attack Benghazi'". March 17, 2011. http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World- 

News/Video-Libya---Rebels-Claim-To-Drive-Back-Pro-Gaddafi-Forces-Around-Eastern-Town-Of- 

Ajdabiyah/Article/201103315953868lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_3&lid=ARTICLE_15953868_Video%3A_Liby 

a_-_Rebels_Claim_To_Drive_Back_Pro-Gaddafi_Forces_Around_Eastern_Town_Of_Ajdabiyah. Retrieved March 17, 

2011. 

23. ^ "The Libyan Rebels' Next Battle, in Ajdabiya, Will Be Decisive". March 14, 2011. 

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-03-14/the-libyan-rebels-next-battle-in-ajdabiya-will-be-decisive/#. 

Retrieved March 15, 2011.

24. ^ Brown, Ben. "Libya revolt: Rebels grab Ajdabiya from Gaddafi". BBC News. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldafrica-12869658. 


25. ^ Black, Ian. "Libya's day of rage met by bullets and loyalists". The Guardian, February 17, 2011 

26. ^ Spencer, Richard; Ramdani, Nabila. "Middle East crisis: Libyan protests move closer to Tripoli". The Daily 

Telegraph, February 20, 2011. 

27. ^ "Libya bombards rebels, gets closer to stronghold". March 15, 2011. 

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hbEi8FJcW- 

GlB6WeT7iquK9lkMiAdocId=866d06c7da964672866dc2f3abd6613c. Retrieved March 15, 2011. 

28. ^ "Libyan Forces Rout Rebels as West’s Effort for No-Flight Zone Stalls". March 15, 2011. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/world/africa/16libya.htmlpagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=world. Retrieved March 15, 

2011. 

29. ^ "Libya Live Blog - March 15". Al Jazeera Blogs. 2011-03-14. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blogmarch-15. 


30. ^ "Libya Live Blog - March 16". http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-16. Retrieved 16 March 

2011. 

31. ^ [9] (in Arabic) 

32. ^ "Gadhafi forces bombing Benghazi: witnesses". March 17. http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/17/libyared-cross031711.html. 

33. ^ "Rebels deny Gaddafi troops on Benghazi outskirts". March 17. 

http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFWEA926720110317. 

34. ^ "As it happened: Libya crisis". March 18. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12776418. 

35. ^ McGreal, Chris (2011-03-20). "Coalition attacks wreak havoc on ground troops". The Guardian. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/20/libya-air-strikes-rain-down. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

36. ^ "Coalition extending no fly zone over Libya". 9news.com. 2011-03-21. 

http://www.9news.com/news/article/188807/339/Buoyed-by-strikes-Libya-rebels-try-to-advance-. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

37. ^ "U.S.-Led Assault Nears Goal in Libya". New York Times. 2011-03-22. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world/africa/22libya.html_r=2&hp. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

38. ^ "Gadhafi Forces Attack Rebel Cities". Fidelity. 2011-03-21. 

https://news.fidelity.com/news/news.jhtmlarticleid=201103211135STREETCMREALTIME_11052937&IMG=N&cat=def 

ault&ccsource=rss-default. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

39. ^ "Kadhafi strongholds bombed as Misrata said overrun". Sydney Morning Herald. 2011-03-21. 

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/kadhafi-strongholds-bombed-as-misrata-said-overrun-20110321-1c3hw.html. 


40. ^ "Live Blog Libya - March 22". Al Jazeera Blogs. 2011-03-21. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/live-blog-libyamarch-22. 


41. ^ "Battle for Ajdabiya". http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/24/libya-live-blog-coalition-airstrikes-continue-intripoli/hpt=T1. 


42. ^ "Live Blog Libya - March 22". http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/live-blog-libya-march-22#. Retrieved 22 

March 2011. 

43. ^ "Libya Live Blog - March 23". Al Jazeera Blogs. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-23. 


44. ^ "Strikes force Gadhafi back; NATO ships patrol sea". BostonHerald.com. 2011-03-23. 

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/international/africa/view/20110323libyan_forces_pull_back_from_western_city/srvc=ne 

ws&position=recent_bullet. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

45. ^ "Tanks return after fleeing but air force is 'destroyed'". The Independent. 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/tanks-flee-after-strikes-but-ground-troops-remain-2251297.html#. 


46. ^ 

a b 

"Fight for Ajdabiya continues". Al Jazeera English. 

http://english.aljazeera.net/video/africa/2011/03/201132521514375515.html. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

47. ^ "Situation critical in Ajdabiya says reporter". Euronews.net. http://www.euronews.net/2011/03/25/situationcritical-in-ajdabiya-says-reporter/. 


48. ^ "Libya rebels prepare for new Ajdabiyah offensive". Khaleejtimes.com. 

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.aspxfile=data/international/2011/March/international_March1405.xml&sect 

ion=international. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

49. ^ Simpson, John. "Libya's Gaddafi 'arming volunteers'". BBC News. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa- 

12864460. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

50. ^ "Live Blog Libya - March 25". Al Jazeera Blogs. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/live-blog-libya-march-25. 


51. ^ http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2011/03/2011326135528826662.html 

52. ^ "Libyan rebels enter Ajdabiya town". Al Jazeera English. 


53. ^ Libya forces pull out from Ajdabiyah -official 

54. ^ a b "Live Blog Libya - March 26". Al Jazeera Blogs. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/live-blog-libya-march-26. 


55. ^ "Video: Libyan Rebels Retake Brega And Ajdabiyah After Gaddafi Forces Flee Amid Coalition Airstrikes". Sky 

News. http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Video-Libyan-Rebels-Retake-Brega-And-Ajdabiyah-After- 

Gaddafi-Forces-Flee-Amid-Coalition- 

Airstrikes/Article/201103415960556lpos=World_News_Top_Stories_Header_3&lid=ARTICLE_15960556_Video%3A_Li

yan_Rebels_Retake_Brega_And_Ajdabiyah_After_Gaddafi_Forces_Flee_Amid_Coalition_Airstrikes_. Retrieved 2011-03- 

27 

Second Battle of Benghazi 



Location Benghazi 

Decisive Anti-Gaddafi victory 

Result 

• Pro-Gaddafi forces fail to recapture Benghazi 

• First UN coalition intervention against ground targets 

Belligerents 

Gaddafi Loyalists Military of Libya Paramilitary 

Anti-Gaddafi forces Libyan People's Army Free Libyan 

Air Force 

UN no-fly Zone [1] France [2] forces 

Strength 

8,000 defected soldiers (rebel claim) [3] 

Thousands of volunteers and militia 

20 French fighter jets [4] Unknown 


1 MiG-23 shot down (possibly by friendly fire) SAM [10] and 33 jeeps, SUVs, technicals or trucks; [11] 4 tanks 

27-30 killed; [7] 50 captured; [8] 70 vehicles destroyed: [9] 

120 killed (including some civilians); [5] 

14 tanks or SP howitzers, 20 APCs, 2 mobile MRLs, 1 mobile 

captured [12] 

The Second Battle of Benghazi was an armed battle as part of the 2011 Libyan uprising between army units and militiamen loyal to 

Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi and Anti-Gaddafi forces. [13] On 18 March, Gaddafi's forces bypassed Ajdabiya by using the 

coastal roads instead of the roads directly linked with Ajdabiya, avoiding the need to capture Ajdabiya to proceed. By night the 

loyalist troops had positioned themselves within miles of Benghazi's two southern entry points, the western southern gate being called 

the west gate. At 7:30AM local time on 19 March, Gaddafi's forces began artillery shelling the city. At around 9:00AM local time 

they entered the city from west and south with tanks. However, by 2:30 PM local time the opposition fighters had repelled the first 

wave of loyalist forces out of the city. [14] During the daytime battles, a rebel fighter jet crashed to the ground in the outskirts of 

Benghazi. The pilot remained in the plane until moments before the crash before ejecting but was reported not to have survived the 

crash. [15] The cause of the crash was unclear, but may have been a catastrophic engine failure or friendly fire from rebel air-defences 

that had mistaken it for a loyalist plane. [6] This prompted rebels to use loudspeakers, mainly from mosques, urging not to "attack the 

planes – these are ours". [16] At around 4:00PM local time, French fighter jets entered Libya airspace to enforce the United Nations 

Security Council Resolution, including Benghazi. The fighter jets were being used for reconnaissance, and this was the first step in 

establishing a no fly zone and military strike operation. [14] At 4:45PM local time, a French fighter jet fired the first shots of the foreign 

intervention, hitting a Gaddafi loyalist armored vehicle and destroying it. [14] Later, Al Jazeera reported that it believed French fighter 

jets had destroyed four of the regime's force's tanks; however, this was not confirmed by France. [17] According to Al Jazeera, some 

citizens of Benghazi were leaving the city and moving eastwards to other anti-Gaddafi held towns. New reports from Al 

Jazeera/Pentagon relations told that American warships had launched cruise missiles at Libyan airfields, in a multi-phase operation 

called Odyssey Dawn. After that, the US planned to focus on the skirmishes on the ground. [18] On the morning of the next day, air 

attacks were conducted against a loyalist tank column from 4:00AM for two hours. It was confirmed by a Reuters reporter that at least 

seven tanks and two armored personnel carriers were destroyed in the French air strikes. [5][19] Admiral Mullen of the United States 

announced on 20 March, that they had stopped the regime's progression on Benghazi. [20] 

Notable deaths Mohammed Nabbous, journalist and founder of Libya Alhurra TV, who was shot by a sniper while reporting on his 

blog via streaming video. [21] 

References 



2. ^ http://www.euronews.net/2011/03/19/french-strikes-destroy-tanks-near-benghazi/ 

3. ^ "Battle for control rages in Libya - Africa". Al Jazeera English. 2011-03-15. 

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201131542757285681.html#. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

4. ^ "Libye : "une vingtaine d'appareils" engagés" (in French). Europe1. 2011-03-19. 

http://www.europe1.fr/International/Libye-une-vingtaine-d-appareils-engages-461717/. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

5. ^ a b "Gadhafi vows 'long war' after US, allies strike Libyan targets from air and sea". StarTribune.com. 

http://www.startribune.com/world/118322574.html. Retrieved 2011-03-20.

6. ^ a b Natalie Fahy (19 March 2011). "Allied Forces Begin Military Action Against Libya". news.sky.com. Sky News. 

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Video-Libya-Explosions-Heard-In-Benghazi-Following-Warnings-From- 

Obama-Cameron/Article/201103315955468f=rss. Retrieved 19 March 2011. 

7. ^ 2 mercenary infiltrators killed,[1] 9 [2]-12 [3] killed in street fighting, 16 killed in tank coloumn [4], total of 27-30 

reported killed 

8. ^ "A Gadhafi soldier speaks" (in English). CNN. 2011-03-29. 

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2011/03/25/pkg.sayah.gadhafi.soldiers.cnn. Retrieved 2011-03-29. 

9. ^ Allied forces strike Gadhafi compound; leader's whereabouts unknown | CNN 

10. ^ http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-65947-12.html 

11. ^ Abbas, Mohammed. "Wreck of Gaddafi's force smoulders near Benghazi". Reuters. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/20/us-libya-east-devastation-idUSTRE72J1M820110320. Retrieved 2011-03-21. 

12. ^ http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE72I0G720110319 

13. ^ "Allied planes fly over Libya as Gaddafi hits Benghazi - Yahoo! News". News.yahoo.com. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110319/ts_nm/us_libya. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

14. ^ 

a b c 

"Libya Live Blog - March 19 | Al Jazeera Blogs". Blogs.aljazeera.net. 

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-19. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

15. ^ "Gaddafi forces approach Benghazi". Al Jazeera English. 19 March 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watchv=nUrxp74Hgg. 


16. ^ "The Battle of Benghazi: City seemed lost to Gaddafi forces but was retaken by rebels". Daily Mail. 20 Mar 2011. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1368030/Libya-Benghazi-lost-Gaddafis-forces-retaken-rebels.html. Retrieved 21 

Mar 2011. 

17. ^ "French jets attack Gaddafi targets - Europe". Al Jazeera English. 

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/03/2011319132058782326.html. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

18. ^ "Live Blog Libya". Al Jazeera English. http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/spotlight/libya/. Retrieved 2011-03-19. 

19. ^ Wreck of Gaddafi's force smoulders near Benghazi | Reuters 

20. ^ http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0 

21. ^ "Online journalist Mohammed Nabbous killed in Libya". The Spy Report (Media Spy). 20 March 2011. 

http://www.mediaspy.org/report/2011/03/20/online-journalist-mohammed-nabbous-killed-in-libya/. Retrieved 20 March 

2011. 

Battle of Az Zintan 


Date 

Location 

Result 

21 March 2011 – ongoing 

Az Zintan, Libya 

Ongoing 

Belligerents 

Anti-Gaddafi Forces Libyan People's 

Army 

Strength 

Unknown 40-50 tanks, 8 mobile MRLs [1][2] 


16-21 killed [3] (including 8 rebels), 20 

wounded [4] 


90 killed (rebel claim), [5] several tanks destroyed or captured 

The Battle of Az Zintan is an ongoing battle in the city of Az Zintan, Libya and some villages nearby. It is part of the 2011 Libyan 

Uprising and is being fought by the Pro-Gaddafi forces and the Anti-Gaddafi forces. Background Az Zintan was home to several 

former Libyan military officers who participated in the failed 1993 Libyan coup attempt; the city is thought to have high anti-Gaddafi 

sentiment. [6] 

Prelude On 17-18 February, protests took place joining to those in Benghazi, Darnah, Baida, Ajabiya, Quba, Tobruk, Tripoli, Tajoura 

and Shahhat reporting clashes in which a number of government buildings were torched. [7] By 2 March, news that Muammar Gaddafi 

was preparing an assault to retake the city spread on the city, the first in western Libya to throw off his rule. Around 40 trucks and 

armoured vehicles fitted with anti-aircraft guns were spotted 30km away heading to the city. [8][9] Young people in that town took the 

fight to pro-Gaddafi forces, launching a series of "preventative attacks" on army barracks, checkpoints and other installations to gather 

weapons and equipment. At the sunset the city had been attacked three times and all repelled. [10] 

The Battle On 21 March, the pro-Gaddafi forces launched an offensive against the city. By 22 March, loyalist troops were pushed 

back from the eastern outskirts of the town, but were still holding a foothold in the northern outskirts. [11][12][13] As of 24 March, heavy 

shelling of Zintan by artillery and tank fire was ongoing. The rebels claimed they captured or destroyed several tanks, seized trucks 

loaded with 1,200 Grad missiles and fuel tanks, and captured five Gaddafi troops. [14] 

References 

1. ^ http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/march-29th-updates/

2. ^ "8 rebels killed in Libya's Zintan". 24 March 2011. http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/8-rebels-killed-in- 

Libyas-Zintan-20110324. 

3. ^ 10-15 killed (22 March),[1] 6 killed (23 March)[2], total of 16-21 reported killed 

4. ^ "8 rebels killed in Libya's Zintan". 24 March 2011. http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/8-rebels-killed-in- 

Libyas-Zintan-20110324. 

5. ^ 120 soldiers killed on 24 March in Misrata and Zintan,[3] of which 30 were killed in Misrata[4] 

6. ^ http://www.3news.co.nz/Libya-Zintan-withdrawal-rare-success-forrebels/tabid/417/articleID/203851/Default.aspx 

7. ^ "Live Blog - Libya". Aljazeera. 17 Feb 2011. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/17/live-bloglibya#feb17. 

8. ^ "Misurata shelled as battle for Libya rages". 

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201132292210533490.html#. Retrieved 22 March 2011. 

9. ^ "Libya's Zintan braces for Gaddafi invasion". http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/8934755/libyas-zintanbraces-for-gaddafi-invasion. 


10. ^ "Live Blog - Libya March 2". Aljazeera. 2 March 2011. 

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/africa/2011/03/09/middle-east/2011/02/17/live-blog-libyapage=4. 

11. ^ "Libya Live Blog - March 23". http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/africa/2011/03/09/africa/2011/02/24/live-bloglibya-feb-25. 

12. ^ "Misurata shelled as battle for Libya rages". 

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201132292210533490.html#. Retrieved 22 March 2011. 

13. ^ "Attack on Libya's Zintan kills at least 10-resident". http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/03/22/libya-zintanbombardment-idINLDE72L1ZM20110322. 


14. ^ "Libya: Zintan withdrawal rare success for rebels". http://www.3news.co.nz/Libya-Zintan-withdrawal-raresuccess-for-rebels/tabid/417/articleID/203851/Default.aspx. 


Late March 2011 Libyan rebel offensive 



Location 

Coast of the Gulf of Sidra, Libya 

Result 

Pro-Gaddafi victory 

• Rebel advance repelled 

Belligerents 

Anti-Gaddafists 

Libyan People's Army 


Gaddafi Loyalists Libyan Army Paramilitary forces Foreign mercenaries 

Khalifa Belqasim Haftar [1] Al-Saadi al-Gaddafi [2] 

Strength 

1,000+ Saadi Brigade 


At least 7 killed [3] At least 7 killed [4] 

The Late March 2011 Libyan rebel offensive was mounted by Anti-Gaddafi forces after the Battle of Ajdabiya. The offensive was 

meant to have the rebel forces quickly reach Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte. The rebels managed to take almost 300 kilometers of 

territory in just two days. However, by day three into the rebel advance, loyalist troops stopped the opposition forces and the rebels 

were in full retreat back to their starting positions. 

The Offensive Rebels capture oil towns and reach western Libya After loyalist forces lost the Battle of Ajdabiya on 26 March, 

rebels immediately pressed their momentum and took the oil town of Brega without a fight. [5][6] The next day, on 27 March, 

opposition forces reached the even bigger oil town of Ra's Lanuf and too had fallen without a shot being fired as loyalist forces had 

earlier retreated to Sirte following Coalition air-strikes. [7][8] By the end of the day, rebels entered Bin Jawad, 150 kilometers east of 

Sirte, unopposed and captured the town. Pro-Gaddafi forces had retreat for over 300km (190 miles) to defensive positions between 

Sirte and Bin Jawad in just two days. [9][7] 

Skirmishes along the road to Sirte On 28 March, rebel forces advanced further west toward Sirte and took the town of Nawfaliya. 

After securing Nawfaliya, they continued westwards to the village of Harawah. There they tried to negotiate with the tribal leaders for 

the locals to join their uprising. However, the civilians in the village attacked the rebels with automatic weapons and the opposition 

was forced to withdraw from Harawah. At the same time, the long rebel coloumn, coming from Bin Jawad, was ambushed a number 

of times on the highway and loyalists managed to flank the rebels and attack them from the rear. This forced the opposition forces to 

withdraw back to Nawfaliya, 120km (75 miles) from Sirte. Some of them even retreated back to Bin Jawad. [10] 

Counteroffensive by pro-Gaddafi forces On 29 March, pro-Gaddafi forces intensified attacks on Libyan rebels, forcing them to 

abandon Bin Jawad. The rebels first retreated from Nawfaliya to Bin Jawad, some 30km further east. Later intense fighting over Bin

Jawad was reported, including artillery duels, before the rebels fled in hundreds of vehicles towards Ra's Lanuf. [11] The opposition's 

military commanders suggested that lack of discipline and stretched supply lines are partly to blame for the retreat. [12] Later during 

the day, pro-Gaddafi forces advanced to 20km away from Ra's Lanuf and began shelling the town with artillery and mortars, forcing 

the rebels to retreat further east. [12] On 30 March, loyalist forces recaptured the oil refinery town of Ras Lanuf forcing rebels to retreat 

further to the east. [13][14][15] The coalition then began launching air-strikes against Gaddafi's forces around Ras Lanuf and on the road to 

Uqayla. Reporters on the ground blamed a sandstorm and low visibility from the air for the lack of air-strikes the previous day. [16] 

Later during the day, rebels were pulling out of Brega to Ajdabiyah. [17] In the evening, the BBC reported that Brega was in control of 

pro-Gaddafi forces and they were approaching Ajdabiya. [18][19] A CNN corespondent in Ajdabiya reported that rebels were "massing 

outside Ajdabiya for a counter-offensive". [20] 

References 

1. ^ "Libyan rebels push west into less friendly territory". http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/28/2138665_p2/libyan-rebelspush-west-into-less.html#. 


2. ^ "Libyan rebels close on key Gadhafi stronghold". http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/plocal/CTVNews/20110328/libya-natobacked-rebels-sirte-110328/20110328/hub=MontrealHome. 


3. ^ 3 killed (27 March),[1][2] 3 killed (28 March),[3] 1 killed (29 March),[4] total of 7 reported killed 

4. ^ 3 killed (March 27),[5] 3 killed (28 March),[6] 1 killed (29 March),[7] total of 7 reported killed 

5. ^ "Live Blog Libya - March 26". Al Jazeera Blogs. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/live-blog-libya-march-26. Retrieved 

2011-03-27. 

6. ^ "Video: Libyan Rebels Retake Brega And Ajdabiyah After Gaddafi Forces Flee Amid Coalition Airstrikes". Sky News. 

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Video-Libyan-Rebels-Retake-Brega-And-Ajdabiyah-After-Gaddafi- 

Forces-Flee-Amid-Coalition- 

Airstrikes/Article/201103415960556lpos=World_News_Top_Stories_Header_3&lid=ARTICLE_15960556_Video%3A_Li 

byan_Rebels_Retake_Brega_And_Ajdabiyah_After_Gaddafi_Forces_Flee_Amid_Coalition_Airstrikes_. Retrieved 2011-03- 

27. 

7. ^ a b "Video: Revolutionaries take Ras Lanuf, Brega , Uqayla, Bin Jawad | Libya February 17th". Libyafeb17.com. 

http://www.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/video-revolutionaries-take-ras-lanuf-brega-uqayla-bin-jawad/. Retrieved 2011-03-30. 

8. ^ "Live Blog Libya - March 27 | Al Jazeera Blogs". Blogs.aljazeera.net. 2011-03-26. 


9. ^ "Libyan rebels retake hamlet of Bin Jawad". Straitstimes.com. 

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_649954.html. Retrieved 2011-03-30. 

10. ^ "Gadhafi troops reverse Libyan rebel charge". Reuters. 

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/story_print.htmlid=4520766&sponsor=. Retrieved March 29, 2011. 

11. ^ "Gaddafi troops force rebels back". BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12892798. Retrieved March 29, 2011. 

12. ^ a b "Libya Live Blog - March 29 | Al Jazeera Blogs". Blogs.aljazeera.net. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-liveblog-march-29. 


13. ^ Gus Lubin. "Obama Signs A Secret Order To Allow Covert Operations Within Libya". Businessinsider.com. 

http://www.businessinsider.com/libya-wednesday-march-30-2011-3. Retrieved 2011-03-30. 

14. ^ "World powers move towards Gaddafi exile plan". Alarabiya.net. 

http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/03/30/143529.html. Retrieved 2011-03-30. 

15. ^ "Gaddafi forces move east, bombard rebels with rockets | News by Country | Reuters". Af.reuters.com. 2009-02-09. 

http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFWEA164620110330. Retrieved 2011-03-30. 

16. ^ "Libya Live Blog - March 30 | Al Jazeera Blogs". Blogs.aljazeera.net. 2011-02-17. 

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-30. Retrieved 2011-03-30. 

17. ^ "Libya rebels beat rapid retreat east under fire". Reuters. 2011-03-22. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/30/libyaeast-retreat-idUSWEA174420110330. 


18. ^ "BBC News - Live: Libya and Mid-East crisis". Bbc.co.uk. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12776418. 


19. ^ "Blow for Kadhafi as key figure defects - Yahoo!". Sg.news.yahoo.com. http://sg.news.yahoo.com/libyan-rebels-scatterworld-mulls-sending-arms-20110330-090713-315.html. 


20. ^ http://twitter.com/#!/bencnn

Anglo-French 

American- 

Canadian - 

NATO 

Air and Naval 

Operations

I .United Kingdom: 

Operation Ellamy 


A Eurofighter Typhoon from the RAF 

Date 

Location 

19 March 2011 – ongoing 

Libya 

United Kingdom 

David Cameron 

Liam Fox 

Belligerents 

Libya 


Muammar al-Gaddafi Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr 

Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach (CJO) [1] 

Air Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell (Air) [1] 

Ali Sharif al-Rifi (Air) [2] Khamis al-Gaddafi (SF) 

See Deployed Forces 

None 

Unknown 

Strength 


Multiple air force defences severely disabled. [3] Four T-72 tanks [4] ~20 Armoured Vehichles 

Unknown, unverified claim by Gaddafi-controlled Libyan state media of 48 civilians killed, 150 wounded as a result of all UN 

[5][dubious – discuss] 

operations 

Coalition forces have not reported any casualties on either side. 

Operation ELLAMY [6] is the codename for the United Kingdom participation in the 2011 military intervention in Libya. [7] The 

operation is part of an international coalition aimed at enforcing a Libyan no-fly zone in accordance with the United 

Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 which stipulated that "all necessary measures" shall be taken to protect 

civilians. [8] UK sorties are under the operational command of the United States. [9] The coalition operation is designated by 

the U.S. as Operation Odyssey Dawn. [10][11] The Canadian participation is Operation MOBILE [12] and the French 

participation is Opération Harmattan. [13] 

The no-fly zone was proposed during the 2011 Libyan uprising to prevent government forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi 

from carrying out air attacks on rebel forces. Several countries prepared to take immediate military action at a conference 

in Paris on 19 March, 2011. [14] 

Background to operation The UN Security Council Resolution 1973 passed on the evening of 17 March 2011 gave a 

mandate to countries wishing to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya militarily. A conference involving international leaders 

took place in Paris on the afternoon of Saturday 19 March 2011. [15] International military action commenced after the 

conference finished, with French military fighter jets being the first to participate in the operation only a few hours after 

the conference finished in Paris with the first shot fired at 1645 GMT against a Libyan tank. [16] 

Summary of operation 

Day 1 - 19 March 2011 On the afternoon of 19 March, the Royal Navy Trafalgar-class submarine HMS Triumph [25] fired 

Tomahawk cruise missiles. [26] A combined total along with US over the day was reported by the US to be over 110

missiles. [27] The Royal Navy also has a Type 22 frigate (HMS Cumberland) and a Type 23 frigate (HMS Westminster) 

engaged in a naval blockade. David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, confirmed that British aircraft were 

in action over Libya on the 19th, [28] although it was the French Air Force who made the first coalition aerial presence over 

Libya earlier the same day. Sentry, Sentinel and VC-10 aircraft were said to be carrying out operations from RAF Akrotiri 

in Cyprus. [1] The home base for the VC-10 aircraft was RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and for the Sentinel and Sentry 

aircraft was RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. On the night of 19-20 March 2011, Storm Shadow missiles were launched 

by Tornado GR4 aircraft. [29] Tornados of No. 9 Squadron from RAF Marham had sortied on a 3,000 mi (4,800 km) 

mission to fire Storm Shadow missiles against targets in Libya. They required refuelling by British tanker aircraft three 

times on the outward journey and once on the return. Tristar aircraft were involved. [30] 

Day 2 - 20 March 2011 The MoD announced that Tornado and Typhoon aircraft would be deployed to the Italian Gioia 

del Colle Air Base. [1] The Trafalgar-class submarine HMS Triumph launched further Tomahawk cruise missiles at targets 

in Libya. [1] Tornados GR4s, flying from Marham, were about to attack a target but did not fire their missiles due to reports 

of civilians near the target. [31] 

Day 3 - 21 March 2011 The Prime Minister announced to the House of Commons on 21 March at the start of the debate 

on the UNSC resolution that RAF Typhoons had been deployed to an Italian airbase (Gioia del Colle) and would fly in 

support of the NFZ. [32] Three Typhoons successfully conducted a mission and returned to Gioia del Colle. [33] Headquarters 

906 Expeditionary Air Wing formed at Gioia del Colle Air Base responsible for assets forward deployed there. 

Headquarters 907 Expeditionary Air Wing formed at RAF Akrotiri responsible for assets forward deployed there. C-17A 

Globemaster and Hercules transport aircraft were also used to assist in the build up of deployed forces. [7] 

Day 4 - 22 March 2011 RAF Typhoons flew their first ever combat mission, [34] patrolling the no-fly zone while Tornado 

GR4s from RAF Marham flew an armed reconnaissance sortie. The MoD reported that Royal Navy ships Triumph, 

Westminister and Cumberland remained in theatre for additional strikes and patrol. [35] 

Day 5 - 23 March 2011 Tornado GR4s were forwarded deployed to Gioia del Colle Air Base. [36] In a media interview, 

the UK Air Component Commander, Air Vice Marshall Greg Bagwell, stated that the Libyan Air Force "no longer exists 

as a fighting force" and that "we have the Libyan ground forces under constant observation and we attack them whenever 

they threaten civilians or attack population centres." [37] 

Day 6 - 24 March 2011 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles were again fired at targets from HMS Triumph [38] RAF Tornado 

aircraft on an armed reconnaissance mission launched Brimstone missiles against Libyan armoured vehicles that were 

reported to be threatening the civilian population of Adjdabiya. Four T-72 tanks were destroyed in the attack by 

Tornados, and three by another coalition aircraft. Likely target locations had previously been identified by other Tornado 

aircraft equipped with RAPTOR pods. [4] 

Day 7 - 25 March 2011 RAF Tornado aircraft launched more Brimstone missile strikes, destroying three armoured 

vehicles in Misrata and two further armoured vehicles in Ajdabiya. [39] 

Day 9 - 27 March 2011 Over the weekend, Tornados from Gioia del Colle launched numerous armed reconnaissance 

missions, during the course of which ordnance released hit a total of 22 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery pieces in 

the vicinity of Ajdabiya and Misurata. [40] 

Day 10 - 28 March 2011 Tornados from RAF Marham, supported by Tristar tankers from RAF Brize Norton, launched 

Storm Shadow strikes against ammunition bunkers in the Sabha area in the southern Libyan desert. The bunkers were 

reportedly used to resupply Libyan Government troops attacking civilians in the north of the country. [40] 

Day 11 - 29 March 2011 The London Conference on Libya was chaired by the Foreign Secretary, William Hague. Two 

Tornados flying from Gioia del Colle engaged near Misurata a Libyan armoured fighting vehicle and two artillery pieces 

with Brimstone missiles. [41] 

Day 12 - 30 March 2011 Tornados flying from Gioia del Colle engaged near Misurata three Libyan tanks, two armoured 

fighting vehicles and a surface-to-air missile site with Brimstone missiles and Paveway IV bombs. [42] 

Military equipment used Military action commenced on 19 March 2011 with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force 

participating. 

Royal Navy Warships and submarines of the Royal Navy used in Operation Ellamy 

HMS Westminster HMS Cumberland HMS Triumph 

Royal Air Force 

Combat aircraft used in Operation Ellamy

Tornado GR4 Typhoon F2 

Surveillance aircraft used in Operation Ellamy 

Sentry AEW1 Sentinel R1 Nimrod R1 

Air-to-air refuelling and military transport aircraft used in Operation Ellamy 

TriStar KC1 VC10 C-17A 

Notes 

1. ^ From Jane's Defence Weekly, 16 March 2011, operational requirements forced the Royal Air Force to 

deploy one of its two remaining Nimrod R1s two weeks before they were due to be withdrawn. 

References 

a b c d e f g h i 

1. ^ 

"Libya update". Ministry of Defence. 20 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LibyaUpdate.htm. 

2. ^ http://www.ansamed.info/en/libia/news/ME.YBL40539.html 

3. ^ "Libyan air force neutered". Ministry of Defence. 24 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LibyanAirForceNeutered.htm. Retrieved 

24 March2011. 

4. ^ a b c "Operational Update on Libya - 25 March". Ministry of Defence. 25 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/OperationalUpdateOnLibya25March.htm. 


5. ^ "Gaddafi denounces foreign intervention". Al Jazeera English. 20 March 2011. 


6. ^ "LIBYA: Operation ELLAMY: Questions and Answers". Ministry of Defence. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/MilitaryOperations/LibyaOperationEllamyQuestionsAndAnswer 

s.htm. 

7. ^ a b c d e f "Coalition operations in Libya to continue". Ministry of Defence. 21 March 2010. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CoalitionOperationsInLibyaToContinue.h 

tm. 

8. ^ "Security Council authorizes ‘all necessary measures’ to protect civilians in Libya". United Nations. 

un.org. 17 March 2011. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.aspNewsID=37808&Cr=libya&Cr1. Retrieved 20 

March 2011. 

9. ^ William Hague: 'Gaddafi regime in for a surprise' (March 25, 2011) BBC. At 00:40 - Interviewer, 

"...who has operational command of the various sorties we are currently seeing involving UK forces" British 

Foreign Secretary Hague's response, "They are under a US command..." 

10. ^ "DOD News Briefing by Vice Adm. Gortney on Operation Odyssey Dawn". U.S. Department of 

Defense. 2011-03-19. http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspxtranscriptid=4786. 

11. ^ Rawnsley, Adam (March 21, 2011) What’s in a Name ‘Odyssey Dawn’ Is Pentagon-Crafted Nonsense 

Wired

12. ^ Operation MOBILE: National Defence and the Canadian Forces Response to the Situation in Libya 

National Defence and the Canadian Forces, Canadian Department of National Defense 

13. ^ Libye : point de situation de l'opération Harmattan n°1 (March 23, 2011) Opérations, Ministère de la 

Défense et des anciens combattants. (French) English translation 

14. ^ a b Judd, Terri (19 March 2011). "Operation Ellamy: Designed to strike from air and sea". The 

Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/operation-ellamy-designed-to-strike-from-air-andsea-2246411.html. 


15. ^ "David Cameron meets allies for Libya crisis talks". BBC News. 19 March 2011. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12794031. Retrieved 20 March 2011. 

16. ^ "Libya: French plane fires on military vehicle". BBC News. 19 March 2011. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12795971. Retrieved 20 March 2011. 

17. ^ "Libya: French jets resume sorties as coalition builds". BBC News. 20 March 2011. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12800635. 

18. ^ "HMS Cumberland ready for embargo operations in Libya". Ministry of Defence. 29 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/HmsCumberlandReadyForEmbargoOpera 

tionsInLibya.htm. 

19. ^ "Libya: RAF 'comfortable' with outcome of airstrikes". BBC News. 20 March 2011. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12799493. 

20. ^ "Coalition Against Gadhafi Growing". Defense News. 20 March 2011. Archived from the original on 

21 March 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5xMRSaUtK. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 

21. ^ "UK military to be stretched by long Libya campaign". Reuters. March 19, 2011. 

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/19/uk-libya-britain-military-idUKTRE72H7KY20110319. 

22. ^ "VC10 and TriStar Support Operations". Royal Air Force. 20 March 2011. Archived from the original 

on 21 March 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5xMR4ozTh. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 

23. ^ Drury, Ian (22 March 2011). "Mission aborted on orders of SAS: RAF attack is halted after troops spot 

human shields". Daily Mail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1368626/Libya-RAF-abort-attack-SASspot-Gaddafi-using-human-shields.html. 

24. ^ "SAS 'Smash' squads on the ground in Libya to mark targets for coalition jets". Daily Mail. 21 March 

2011. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1368247/Libya-SAS-smash-squads-ground-mark-targetscoalition-jets.htmlITO=1490. 

25. ^ Daily Mail Reporters (21 March 2011). "RAF strikes against Gaddafi's forces branded 'a success' as 

bombed out tanks and cars litter the roads near Benghazi". Daily Mail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article- 

1368028/Cruise-strike-hits-Gaddafi-We-stand-let-dictator-murder-people.htmlito=feeds-newsxml. Retrieved 21 

March 2011. 

26. ^ "British Armed Forces launch strike against Libyan Air Defence systems". Ministry of Defence. 19 

March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/BritishArmedForcesLaunchStrikeAgainst 

LibyanAirDefenceSystems.htm. Retrieved 19 March 2011. 

27. ^ "US fires 110 missiles as no-fly zone is enforced". Irish Independent. 20 March 2011. 

http://www.independent.ie/world-news/africa/us-fires-110-missiles-as-nofly-zone-is-enforced-2586278.html. 


28. ^ "Libya: Coalition launches attacks from air and sea". BBC News. 19 March 2011. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12796972. Retrieved 19 March 2011. 

29. ^ "British jets fired on Libyan targets". monstersandcritics.com. 20 March 2011. 

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/africa/news/article_1627376.php/British-jets-fired-on-Libyan-targets. 

30. ^ "TARGET LIBYA: RAF reveals Marham jets’ 3,000-mile mission, as aircraft prepare to deploy to 

Italy", edp24.co.uk, 20 March 2011, 

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/target_libya_raf_reveals_marham_jets_3_000_mile_mission_as_aircraft_prepare_t 

o_deploy_to_italy_1_835355 

31. ^ "Updated: Second UK strike against Libyan defence assets". Ministry of Defence. 21 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/UpdatedSecondUkStrikeAgainstLibyanD 

efenceAssets.htm. 

32. ^ United Kingdom, Parliamentary Debates, House of Commons, 21 March 2011, columns 700–701, 

(David Cameron, Prime Minister). 

33. ^ "Live: Libya crisis". BBC News. 22 March 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east- 


34. ^ "RAF Typhoons patrol Libyan no-fly zone". Ministry of Defence. 22 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RafTyphoonsPatrolLibyanNoflyZone.htm 

. 

35. ^ "Operations in Libya having a very real effect". Ministry of Defence. 22 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/OperationsInLibyaHavingAVeryRealEffe 

ct.htm.

36. ^ "Libyan air force neutered". Ministry of Defence. 24 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LibyanAirForceNeutered.htm. Retrieved 

24 March2011. 

37. ^ "Libya air force 'unable to fight'". BBC News. 23 March 2011. 

http://http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12837330. Retrieved 23 March 2011. 

38. ^ "British submarine launches further strikes on Libyan air defence systems". Ministry of Defence. 24 

March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/BritishSubmarineLaunchesFurtherStrikes 

OnLibyanAirDefenceSystems.htm. Retrieved 24 March 2011. 

39. ^ "Brimstone Missiles Destroy Armoured Vehicles in Libya". Ministry of Defence. 26 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/BrimstoneMissilesDestroyArmouredVehi 

clesInLibya.htm. Retrieved 27 March 2011. 

a b 

40. ^ "RAF Strikes Further Targets in Libya". Ministry of Defence. 28 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RafStrikesFurtherTargetsInLibya.htm. 


41. ^ "Libya Conference Participants Committed to Military Action". Ministry of Defence. 30 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/LibyaConferenceParticipantsCo 

mmittedToMilitaryAction.htm. Retrieved 31 March 2011. 

42. ^ "RAF and Navy Patrol LIbyan Skies and Seas". Ministry of Defence. 30 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RafAndNavyPatrolLibyanSkiesAndSeas.h 

tm. Retrieved 31 March 2011. 


• RAF - Operation Ellamy 

Deployed forces 

• Royal Navy [1] 

o HMS Westminster (F237), a Type 23 frigate [17] 

o HMS Cumberland (F85), a Type 22 frigate (later transferred to Operation Unified Protector [18] ) 

2 × Lynx Mk.8 helicopters (one each) 

[citation needed] 

Royal Marines boarding party 

o HMS Triumph (S93), a Trafalgar-class submarine [19] 

• Royal Air Force 

o Joint Force Air Component Headquarters at RAF Akrotiri 

o Headquarters 906 Expeditionary Air Wing at Gioia del Colle Air Base [7] 

10 × Typhoon multirole fighters from RAF Coningsby and RAF Leuchars, [14] 

8 × Tornado GR4 interdictor/strike aircraft from RAF Marham [1][4] 

o Headquarters 907 Expeditionary Air Wing at RAF Akrotiri [7] 

3 × Sentry AEW.1 AWACS aircraft from RAF Waddington [20] 

[21][Note 1] 

A Nimrod R1 signals intelligence aircraft 

A Sentinel R1 airborne standoff radar aircraft from RAF Waddington [7] 

VC10 air-to-air refuelling tankers from RAF Brize Norton [22] 

o Force Elements Operated from UK 

Tornado GR4 interdictor/strike aircraft from RAF Marham [1] 

TriStar K1 air-to-air refuelling tankers from RAF Brize Norton [7] 

• Possible deployment of Special Forces to mark targets for aircraft [23][24]

II .United States: 

Operation Odyssey Dawn 


USS Barry (DDG 52) fires a Tomahawk cruise missile in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn 

Date 

Location 

Status 

19 March 2011 – present 

Libya 

Operations ongoing 

Effective no-fly zone established [1] 

Belligerents 

United States Belgium France Greece Denmark Netherlands Norway 

Italy Qatar Spain United Arab Emirates Sweden 


Barack Obama Robert M. Gates [2] 

Carter Ham Samuel Locklear 

Strength 

See Deployed forces 


Libyan Arab 

Jamahiriya 

Muammar al-Gaddafi Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr Khamis al- 

Gaddafi (SF) Ali Sharif al-Rifi (Air) [3] 

490 tanks 240 mobile rocket launchers 35 helicopters 113 air-land attack fighters 

229 air fighters 7 bombers [4] 

1 F-15E (mechanical failure, aircrew Multiple anti-aircraft defenses and air force targets damaged or destroyed

survived) 

114 civilians killed and 445 wounded (Libyan health ministry claim)* [5] 

40 civilians killed (in Tripoli; Vatican claim) [6] 

*Libyan health ministry claim has not been independently confirmed and Libyan government figures have been shown as 

unreliable or misinformation. [7] The U.S. military claims it has no knowledge of civilian casualties. [8] 

Operation Odyssey Dawn is the US code name [Note 1] for the international military operation in Libya by a coalition that is enforcing 

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. The coalition is initially being led by United States forces. [10][11] It implements a 

no-fly zone that was proposed during the 2011 Libyan uprising to prevent government forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi from 

carrying out air attacks on rebel forces. On 19 March 2011, several countries prepared to take immediate military action at a summit 

in Paris. [12] Operations commenced on the same day with the US and other coalition forces conducting multiple strikes via Tomahawk 

cruise missiles and air assets bombing Gaddafi forces near Benghazi. [13] The goal of coalition forces has been to impose a no-fly zone 

and to destroy loyalist forces that threaten civilians. The US passed complete military command of the operation to NATO and took 

up a support role on March 27, 2011. [14] Prior to that, an agreement to pass command of the embargo to NATO was reached on March 

23, [15] and a handover of enforcement of the no-fly zone to NATO was agreed to on March 24 and became effective the following 

day. [16] However, NATO's current objectives do not include aiding the rebel forces' efforts to take control of territory currently held by 

Gaddafi. [14] The British name for their military support of Resolution 1973 is Operation ELLAMY, [17] the Canadian participation is 

Operation MOBILE, [18] and the French participation is Opération Harmattan. [19] NATO's military activity is Operation Unified 

Protector. [16] 

Command The strategic command of Operation Odyssey Dawn is under the authority of General Carter Ham, the Combatant 

Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), a Unified Combatant Command of the Department of Defense. 

Tactical command in the theater of operations is under command of Admiral Sam Locklear, the Commander of United States Naval 

Forces Europe onboard the command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) in the Mediterranean Sea. [10][20] President Obama stated the 

US military action will be scaled back soon [21] and is considering handing over the command of the operation to either UK, France or 

NATO. On the 24th of March, 2011, NATO took command of enforcing the no-fly zone in Libya and is still considering taking 

control of the rest of the mission. [22] On March 24, 2011, the coalition agreed to have NATO command the no-fly zone, [23] and the 

U.S. Department of Defense stated that the U.S. will relinquish command of Operation Odyssey Dawn as early as March 28th. [24] 


• United States Navy [25] 

o USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20), the command ship of the United States Sixth Fleet 

The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of: 

USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship 

USS Ponce (LPD-15), an Austin-class amphibious transport dock 

embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit 

USS Barry (DDG-52), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer 

USS Stout (DDG-55), another Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer 

[Note 2] 

USS Providence (SSN-719), a Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine 

USS Scranton (SSN-756), a second Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine 

USS Florida (SSGN-728), an Ohio-class cruise missile submarine [27] 

USNS Kanawha a Henry J. Kaiser-class oiler [28] 

USNS Lewis and Clark a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship [29] 

USNS Robert E. Peary a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship 

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of USS Bataan, USS Mesa Verde, and USS Whidbey 

Island, left their home port of Naval Station Norfolk on 23 March, bound for Marine Corps Base Camp 

Lejeune in North Carolina to pick up the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. They planned to sail east around 

March 30th to relieve the 26th MEU in the Mediterranean Sea two months before the projected deployment 

date. [30] 

o Five EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft operating out of NAS Sigonella and Aviano Air Base [31][32] 

o One EP-3E ELINT aircraft [29] 

o Two P-3C Update 3 maritime surveillance aircraft 

o Two P-3C AIP maritime surveillance aircraft 

• United States Air Force [33] 

o Three B-2 Spirit stealth bombers operating from Whiteman AFB. [34] 

o Two B-1B bombers [35] 

o Ten F-15E Strike Eagle strike fighters operating out of RAF Lakenheath [36][31][37] 

o Eight F-16C Fighting Falcon multirole fighters from Spangdahlem Air Base started leaving for Aviano on 20 

March [31][36] 

o Two HH-60 Pave Hawk combat search and rescue helicopters from RAF Lakenheath operating from 

USS Ponce (LPD-15). [38] 

o Three E-8C battle management/command and control aircraft 

o One EC-130H electronic warfare (communications jamming) aircraft 

o One EC-130J psychological operations aircraft 

o One RC-135V/W Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft [39] 

o Two AC-130U gunships [40] 

o Six A-10 Thunderbolt ground-attack aircraft [41][26] 

o Global Hawk unmanned aerial surveillance vehicle 

o Lockheed U-2 Reconnaissance aircraft [42][43]

• United States Marine Corps 

o 

Four AV-8B Harrier II ground attack fighters from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, operating off of 

USS Kearsarge [31][44] 

o Two MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from the 26th MEU participated in the pilot rescue. [45] 

o Two CH-53E Super Stallions from the 26th MEU participated in the pilot rescue. [45] 

o One KC-130J Hercules from the 26th MEU participated in the pilot rescue. [45] 

o 

The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit awaits the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, who left their home port of 

Naval Station Norfolk early to sail east around March 30th in order to relieve the 26th MEU in the Mediterranean 

Sea two months before the projected deployment date. [30] 

• Central Intelligence Agency 

o CIA Operatives gathering military and political information [46] 

Coalition forces Coalition forces based and operating in the theater of operations are synchronizing their efforts with Joint Task 

Force Odyssey Dawn. 

• Belgian Armed Forces [36] 

o Belgian Air Component 

Six F-16AM 15MLU Falcon fighter jets operating from Araxos Air Base, Greece 

• Greek Armed Forces 

o Hellenic Air Force 

Four F-16 fighter jets [36] 

One Embraer R-99 early warning and control aircraft [36] 

• Danish Armed Forces [47] 

o Royal Danish Air Force 

Six F-16AM 15MLU Falcon fighter jets operating from Sigonella Air Base, Italy 

One C-130J-30 military transport aircraft 

• French Navy 

o Anti-air destroyer Forbin (D620) [48] (transferred from Opération Harmattan) 

• Netherlands Armed Forces 


o Royal Netherlands Air Force 

Six F-16AM 15MLU Falcon fighter jets operating from Decimomannu Air Base, Italy 

One KDC10 Tanker Aircraft 

• Norwegian Armed Forces [49][50] 

o Royal Norwegian Air Force 

Six F-16AM 15MLU Falcon fighter jets operating from Souda Air Base, Crete [51] 

Two C-130J-30 military transport aircrafts supporting the Norwegian forces. [52] . Equipment moved to and 

deployed in Operation Unified Protector 

• Italian Armed Forces 

o Italian Air Force [53] 

Four Tornado ECR SEAD planes operating from Trapani Air Base 

Four F-16A 15ADF Falcon fighter as escort operating from Trapani Air Base 

Two Tornado IDS in the air-to-air refueling role operating from Trapani Air Base (supporting the Italian 


contribution, but not under direct US Command) 

One C-130 J in the air-to-air refueling role operating from Trapani Air Base (supporting the Italian 


contribution, but not under direct US Command) 

• : Qatar Armed Forces 

o Qatar Emiri Air Force [54] 

Six Mirage 2000-5EDA fighters jets operating from Souda Air Base, Crete 

One C-130J-30 military transport aircraft 

• Spanish Armed Forces [55] 

o Spanish Air Force 

Four EF-18AM Hornet fighters jets operating from Decimomannu Air Base, Italy 

One Boeing 707-331B(KC) tanker aircraft 

• Union Defence Force [56] 

o United Arab Emirates Air Force 

Six F-16E/F Block 60 Falcon fighter jets operating from Decimomannu Air Base, Italy 

Six Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter jets operating from Decimomannu Air Base, Italy 


• Swedish Armed Forces 

o Royal Swedish Air Force 

Eight (2 in reserve) JAS 39 Gripen 

One Lockheed Tp-84T C-130 Hercules 

Summary of action 

• Day 1: 19 March 2011 21h: The first main strike involved the launch of 112 Tomahawk cruise missiles from US and UK 

ships against shoreline air defenses of the Gaddafi regime. [57][58][10][59] The U.S. Department of Defense reports that the 

dismantling of Libya's ability to hinder the enforcement of the United Nations no-fly zone was only the first of multiple 

stages in the operation. [60] USMC Harriers participated in an air strike against a large military convoy outside Benghazi. [34] 

• Day 2: 20 March 2011 Sustained anti-aircraft fire erupted in Tripoli at around 2:33 a.m. Libyan time. [61] Three B-2 Spirit 

bombers targeted 45 hardened aircraft shelters at an Libyan airfield near Sirt. [34] At the same time, US Air Force fighter jets

conducted missions searching for Libyan ground forces to attack. US Navy EA-18G Growlers werer diverted from 

operations over Iraq and jammed Libyan radar and communications. [62][63] No US aircraft were lost during the missions. [64] 

The warplanes included Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier IIs (attacking pro-Gaddafi's ground forces), [65] Air Force B-2 Spirit 

stealth bombers, and F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter jets. [66] Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the 

Joint Chiefs of Staff, states that there would be continuous allied air cover over Benghazi, and that the no-fly zone "is 

effectively in place". [67] An EC-130J was recorded warning Libyan shipping "If you attempt to leave port, you will be 

attacked and destroyed immediately" in Arabic, French and English. [68] 

• Day 3: 21 March 2011 All fixed SA-2 Guideline, SA-3 Goa and SA-5 Gammon sites were taken out. Only SA-6 Gainful, 

hand held SA-7 Grail and SA-8 Gecko mobile SAMs are still a possible threat to aircraft. [69] In the early hours of the day a 

building from Moammar Gadhafi's compound in Tripoli was completely destroyed by a cruise missile. [70] Twelve more 

cruise missiles were fired at command and air defense sites. [71] 

• Day 4: 22 March 2011 At approximately 22:30 CET (evening of March 21), a US F-15E 91-0304 operating out of Aviano 

Air Base crashed about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Benghazi. Both crew members ejected at high altitude and were 

subsequently separated. A MV-22 Osprey, supported by two AV-8Bs, two CH-53E Super Stallions, and a KC-130J Hercules 

from the 26th MEU initially recovered the pilot, [45] while the weapons officer was recovered later after being rescued by 

rebel forces in the area. [72][45] Two Marine Harriers accompanying the rescue force dropped two 500lb bombs at the request 

of the ejected pilot, prior to the MV-22 landing in an attempt to deter an unidentified group of people heading towards the 

area. [73][45] The UK had a "peripheral involvement" in the rescue of the US pilots. [74][75][76][77][74][78] 

Six local villagers, including a young boy, were reported to have been injured by gunfire from the rescuing U.S. forces, [79][80] 

Although a Marine spokesperson aboard USS Kearsarge denied that shots were fired: "The Osprey is not armed, and the Marines 

barely got off the aircraft. I was in the landing center the whole time, where we were monitoring what was going on, and firing was 

never reported", [73] Pentagon sources were later reported to have confirmed that shots were fired. [81][45] The source of the civilian 

casualties is still being investigated. [73] Overnight, the US bombed the wreckage of the downed F-15E "to prevent materials from 

getting into the wrong hands." [82] In a 24-hours period; 175 air sorties were conducted (113 US, 62 coalition). [83] Around this time, the 

US changed its target priorities from air defenses to Libyan ground forces. [84] 

• Day 6: 24 March 2011 March 24 Royal Norwegian Airforce F-16s were assigned to the US African command and 

Operation Odyssey Dawn. A number of Norwegian F-16s took off from the Souda Bay Air Base on the island of Crete, 

[85] [86] 

Greece for their first mission over Libya. 

• Day 7 25 March 2011 Three laser guided bombs were launched from 2 F-16s of the Royal Norwegian Airforce against 

Libyan tanks. [87] F-16s from the Royal Norwegian Airforce bombed an airfield in Libya during the night. [88] Coalition planes 

flew 164 sorties and coalition leaders reported damage to Gadhafi's ground forces. [89] 

• Days 8 and 9 26 and 27 March 2011Lockheed AC-130 gunships and Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack 

aircraft began operations, attacking ground forces. [90] These were the first aircraft used against troops; previous strikes had 

targeted command and anti-aircraft infrastructure. [90] Two B-1 bombers from Ellsworth Air Force Base attacked undisclosed 

targets in Libya. [91] Attack submarine USS Providence (SSN-719) completed all assigned strike missions and has left the area 

for previous duties. The US is responsible for 80% of air refueling, 75% of aerial surveillance hours and 100% of electronic 

warfare missions. [92] 

• Days 10 and 11 28 and 29 March 2011 On March 28, a USAF A-10 and a USN P-3 attack one Libyan Coast Guard vessel 

and two smaller craft. The P-3 fired AGM-65F Maverick missiles at a Vittoria-class patrol boat, forcing the crew to beach 

her. The A-10 strafed the other two smaller boats with its 30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon rounds, sinking one and forcing the 

crew to abandon the other. The Libyan vessels were attacked after U.S forces observed them firing into Misurata and at 

merchant vessels. The USS Barry (DDG-52) provided situational awareness for the aircraft by managing the airspace and 

maintaining the maritime picture. [93][94] 

Criticism There has been criticism over the handling of the operation and the belief that the Obama administration failed to 

adequately consult the US Congress. The Obama administration defended its handling of the Libyan crisis, drawing a clear line 

between military and political objectives. On March 24th White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters "We are not engaged 

in militarily-driven regime change." Instead, the administration is engaged in "time-limited, scope-limited" action with other countries 

to protect civilians from forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi. [95] 

See also 

United Nations portal 

• Operation El Dorado Canyon – 1986 U.S. air-strikes against Libya 

• Operation Unified Protector - NATO operation for enforcement of UNSCR 1970 and 1973 

Footnotes 

Notes 

1. ^ From Wired, "The U.S. military’s nickname for the no-fly zone in Libya sounds like the beginning of a long 

adventure. But Defense Department officials insist that there’s no hidden meaning behind 'Operation Odyssey Dawn.' It’s 

just the product of the Pentagon’s semi-random name-generating system." [9] 

2. ^ USS Providence left the area some time around March 27-28. [26] 

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2. ^ 10 U.S.C. § 162 

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Operation Odyssey Dawn 

Wikinews has related news: 

• French aircraft on flights over Libya; US missiles launched at targets 

• US and UK forces join Libyan attack 

• Official Department of Defense Operation Odyssey Dawn page

Damage to aircraft shelters at Ghardabiya Airfield near Sirt, March 20. Crashed aircraft F-15E '91-0304/LN' at Dny NATO in 

Ostrava, Czech Republic, half a year before. The crew ejected and was rescued.

III .France: 

Opération Harmattan 


Two Mirage 2000-5 fighters departing Dijon - Longvic Air Base on the first day of Opération Harmattan 

(Ministère de la Défense) 

Date 

Location 

19 March 2011 - ongoing 

Libya 

Belligerents 

France 


Libya 

Nicolas Sarkozy François Fillon Admiral Édouard Muammar al-Gaddafi 

Guillaud [citation needed] Jean-Paul Paloméros [citation needed] 


None 

16 soldiers killed and 70 vehicles destroyed : [1] 14 tanks, 20 APCs, 2 mobile MRLs, 1 mobile 

SAM [2] and 33 Jeeps, SUVs, technicals or trucks; [3] 

10 armored vehicles destroyed [4] 6 Soko G-2 aircraft [5] [6] 2 Mi-35 helicopter [7] 

Unknown, unverified claim by Gaddafi-controlled Libyan state media of 48 civilians killed, 150 wounded as a result of all 

[8][dubious – discuss] 

UN operations 

Opération Harmattan is the codename for the French participation in the 2011 military intervention in Libya. [9] It is named for the 

Harmattan, which are hot dry winds that blow over the Sahara, mostly between November and March. [10] The United States' 

counterpart to this is Operation Odyssey Dawn, the Canadian counterpart is Operation MOBILE and the British counterpart is 

Operation Ellamy. The no-fly zone was proposed during the 2011 Libyan uprising to prevent government forces loyal to Muammar 

Gaddafi from carrying out air attacks on rebel forces. Several countries have prepared to take immediate military action at a 

conference in Paris on 19 March 2011. [11] French Dassault Rafale planes began reconnaissance missions on 19 March and were the 

first among the coalition to attack Libyan forces, destroying four tanks. [12] 


• French Air Force [13] 

o 8 × Rafale fighters from EC 01.007 Provence, Saint-Dizier – Robinson Air Base 

o 6 × Mirage 2000-5 fighters from EC 01.002 Cigogne, Dijon - Longvic Air Base 

o 6 × Mirage 2000D fighter-bombers from EC 03.003 Ardennes, Nancy – Ochey Air Base 

o 2 × Mirage F1CR reconnaissance aircraft from ER 02.033 Savoie, Reims – Champagne Air Base [14][15] 

o 6 × C135 aerial refueling planes from GRV 02.093 Bretagne, Istres-Le Tubé Air Base 

o A E-3F AWACS plane from 36ème EDCA, Avord Air Base 

o A C-160G SIGINT electronic surveillance aircraft from EET 01.054 Dunkerque, Metz-Frescaty Air Base 

o Commando Parachutiste de l'Air companies 20 and 30 forward deployed to Solenzara Air Base, Corsica [16] 

• French Navy [13][17]

o Task Force 473 [18] 

Aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91) 

10 × Rafale M fighters 

6 × Super-Etendard strike aircraft 

2 × E-2C airborne early warning aircraft 

2 × Dauphin multipurpose helicopters 

2 × Alouette III utility helicopters 

French Air Force detachment of a Puma and 2 × Caracal transport helicopters 

Anti-air destroyer Forbin (D620) (later transferred to Operation Odyssey Dawn) [19] 

Anti-air frigate Jean Bart (D615) 

Frigate Dupleix (D641) 

Frigate Aconit (F713) 

Replenishment tanker Meuse (A607) 

Nuclear attack submarine Améthyste (S605) [20][21] 


Day 1: 19 March 2011 The French Navy anti-air destroyer Forbin and anti-air frigate Jean Bart were already off Libya when the 

operation commenced. The French Air Force deployed in its first strike force eight Rafale fighters, two Mirage 2000-5 fighters and 

two Mirage 2000D fighter-bombers supported by other aircraft listed above. [22] Eight Rafale fighters patrolled the skies over Benghazi 

to prohibit the advance of Libyan ground forces. One opened fire on a Libyan military vehicle at 17:45 local time. The Telegraph 

reported four Libyan tanks destroyed by French aircraft southwest of Benghazi. [12] Aircraft returning from combat missions landed at 

Solenzara Air Base on Corsica from which further combat sorties were launched. [23] 

Day 2: 20 March 2011 Eleven sorties were carried out by French aircraft over Libya. [23] Task Force 473, the aircraft carrier Charles 

de Gaulle and its battle group, sailed from Toulon. [23] 

Day 3: 21 March 2011 Up to this day, 55 sorties were carried out by French aircraft over Libya. [24] The French Ministry of Defence 

(MoD) claimed a Mirage 2000-D destroyed another Libyan tank 100 km south of Benghazi. [25] 

Day 4: 22 March 2011 Aircraft from the Charles de Gaulle began operations over Libya, commencing with Rafale F3s conducting 

reconnaissance and patrols. [18] The Forbin and Jean Bart, which were already on station off Libya, joined Task Force 473. [18] The 

number of combat aircraft forward deployed at Air Base 126 Solenzara was increased to 20 with the arrival of two more Mirage 2000- 

5 and two more Mirage 2000D, with support aircraft operating out of Saint-Dizier and Avord. [26] 

Day 5: 23 March 2011 Rafale and Mirage 2000D aircraft from Solenzara and Rafale and Super Etendard aircraft from the Charles de 

Gaulle conducted reconnaissance and support sorties over Libya. [27] 

Day 6: 24 March 2011 Rafale and Mirage 2000D aircraft attacked a Libyan air base, 250 kilometres (160 mi) inland from the 

Mediterranean Sea, with SCALP GP missiles. [28] Rafale, Mirage 2000D and Super Etendard aircraft flew four joint interdiction 

missions against Libyan ground forces. [29] A Rafale destroyed a Libyan Soko G-2 Galeb light attack jet with an AASM air-to-surface 

missile as it landed at Misrata. [29][30] A patrol of two Mirage 2000Ds, equipped with GBU-12 laser guided bombs, attacked loyalist 

artillery near Ajdabiyah. [31] 

Day 7: 25 March 2011 Qatari aircraft attached to Operation Odyssey Dawn and French aircraft conducted joint reconnaissance 

sorties in the regions of Misrata, Zintan, Sirte and Ajdabiyah. Four Mirage 2000Ds conducted interdiction missions against loyalist 

artillery near Ajdabiyah. Two French and two Qatari Mirage 2000-5s conducted air interdiction missions. [31] Three French Mirage 

2000-5s were moved from Solenzara to Souda Air Base on Crete. [31] 

Day 8: 26 March 2011 French aircraft carried out several air strikes around Zintan and Misrata, destroying at least five Soko G-2 

Galeb light attack jets and two Mi-35 helicopters on the ground. French and Qatari Mirage 2000-5s continued joint reconnaissance 

sorties from Souda Air Base. [32] 

Day 9: 27 March 2011 Air Force and Navy Rafales attacked a command centre south of Tripoli. French and Qatari Mirage 2000-5s 

conducted joint patrols and air interdiction missions from Souda Air Base. Rafales and Super The number of French Mirage 2000-5s 

based as Souda was increased to four. [33] 

Day 10: 28 March 2011 Air operations were planned to focus on the region around Zintan and Misrata. [33] Air force Rafales and 

Mirage 2000Ds and a joint patrol of Navy Rafales and Super Etendards bombed an ammunition dump at Gharyan, 100 kilometres 

(62 mi) south of Tripoli. [14] Mirage F1CRs conducted reconnaissance missions for the first time in the operation. [14] 

Day 11: 29 March 2011 Two patrols of Air Force Rafales and Mirage 2000Ds and a patrol of Navy Rafales and Super Etendards 

attacked anti-aircraft missile sites 100 kilometres (62 mi) south west of Tripoli. Two joint patrols of French and Qatari Mirage 2000- 

5s conducted air interdiction sorties. [14] Mirage 2000Ds and Super Etendards bombed a military depot 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of 

Tripoli. [34] 

Day 12: 30 March 2011 A joint strike force of Air Force Rafales and Mirage 2000Ds and Navy Rafales and Super Etendards 

attacked anti-aircraft missile sites 20 kilometres (12 mi) south of Sirte. A patrol of two French and four Qatari Mirage 2000-5s 

conducted air interdiction sorties. [34] 

See also 

• Ouadi Doum air raid, 1986 French air raid on Libyan airbase in Chad 

• 2011 Libyan uprising 

[edit] References 

1. ^ "Allied forces strike Gadhafi compound; leader's whereabouts unknown". CNN. 21 March 2011. 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/21/libya.civil.war/index.htmlhpt=T1&iref=BN1#. Retrieved 22 March 2011. 

2. ^ "Photo Gallery: The Bombardment of Libya". Der Spiegel. 22 March 2011. 

http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-65947-12.html. Retrieved 22 March 2011. 

3. ^ Abbas, Mohammed (20 March 2011). "Wreck of Gaddafi's force smoulders near Benghazi". Reuters. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/20/us-libya-east-devastation-idUSTRE72J1M820110320. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 

4. ^ "Western Air Strikes Fail To Dislodge Gaddafi Armour". 23March 2011. 

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsworld.phpid=573297. Retrieved 23 March 2011.


6. ^ http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2011/03/26/des-galeb-et-deux-mi-35-au-tableau-de-chassedes-appareils-f.html 

7. ^ http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2011/03/26/des-galeb-et-deux-mi-35-au-tableau-de-chassedes-appareils-f.html 

8. ^ "Gaddafi denounces foreign intervention". Al Jazeera English. 2011-03-20. 


9. ^ "French Ministry of Defense declaration". http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autresoperations/harmattan/libye-debut-des-operations-aeriennes-francaises. 


10. ^ "Harmattan". Encyclopedua Britannica. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/255457/harmattan. 

11. ^ "Operation Ellamy: Designed to strike from air and sea". The Independent. 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/operation-ellamy-designed-to-strike-from-air-and-sea-2246411.html. 


12. ^ 

a b 

"Libya: British forces fire missiles at Gaddafi". Telegraph. 2011-03-11. 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8393128/Libya-British-forces-fire-missiles-at- 

Gaddafi.html. Retrieved 2011-03-20. 

13. ^ a b "France Deploys About 20 Aircraft to Enforce Libya No-Fly Zone". Defense News. 19 March 2011. 

http://www.defensenews.com/story.phpi=6007194&c=EUR&s=AIR. 

14. ^ a b c d "Libye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°11". French Ministry of Defense. 29 March 2011. 

http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-point-de-situationoperation-harmattan-n-11. 

15. ^ "Libye : Des Mirage F1 CR entrent en piste". Zone Militaire. 29 March 2011. 

http://www.opex360.com/2011/03/29/libye-des-mirage-f1-cr-entrent-en-piste/. 

16. ^ "Libye : la base aérienne de Solenzara sous haute protection". French Ministry of Defense. 28 March 2011. 

http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-la-base-aerienne-desolenzara-sous-haute-protection. 

17. ^ "Libye : appareillage du porte-avions Charles de Gaulle". French Ministry of Defense. 20 March 2011. 

http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/libye-appareillage-du-porte-avionscharles-de-gaulle. 

18. ^ a b c "Libye : première mission aérienne pour la TF 473". French Ministry of Defense. 22 March 2011. 

http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-premiere-missionaerienne-pour-la-tf-473. 

19. ^ http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.aspart=6343&lang=0 

20. ^ "L’opération Harmattan". French Ministry of Defense. 26 March 2011. 

http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/dossier/l-operation-harmattan. 

21. ^ "French nuclear submarine arrives in Malta". Malta Independent. 30 March 2011. 

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.aspnewsitemid=122656. 

22. ^ "Opération Harmattan, le nom de code militaire pour la Libye". Secret défense. 19 March 2011. 

http://www.marianne2.fr/blogsecretdefense/Operation-Harmattan-le-nom-de-code-militaire-pour-la-Libye_a181.html. 

23. ^ 

a b c 

"Libye : poursuite des opérations". French Ministry of Defense. 20 March 2011. 

http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/libye-poursuite-des-operations. 

24. ^ Libye : DĂŠjĂ 55 sorties pour les avions de l’armĂŠe de l’Air | Zone Militaire 

25. ^ Le Figaro - Flash Actu : L'aviation française a détruit un blindé 

26. ^ "Libye : l’opération Harmattan marquée par l’engagement de la TF473 et la montée en puissance de la BA 126". 

French Ministry of Defense. 22 March 2011. http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattanlibye/actualites/libye-l-operation-harmattan-marquee-par-l-engagement-de-la-tf473-et-la-montee-en-puissance-de-la-ba-126. 

27. ^ "Libye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°5". French Ministry of Defense. 23 March 2011. 


28. ^ "French planes hit Libyan base in overnight raid: France". Agence France-Presse. 24 March 2011. 

http://www.expatica.com/fr/news/french-news/french-planes-hit-libyan-base-in-overnight-raid-france_137989.html. 

29. ^ a b "ibye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°6". French Ministry of Defense. 24 March 2011. 


30. ^ "French fighter destroys Libya military jet: France". Agence France-Presse. 24 March 2011. 

http://www.expatica.com/fr/news/french-news/french-fighter-destroys-libya-military-jet-france_138101.html. 

31. ^ a b c "Libye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°7". French Ministry of Defense. 25 March 2011. 


32. ^ "Libye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°8". French Ministry of Defense. 26 March 2011. 


33. ^ a b "Libye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°10". French Ministry of Defense. 27 March 2011. 


34. ^ a b "Libye : point de situation opération Harmattan n°12". French Ministry of Defense. 30 March 2011. 

http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-point-de-situationoperation-harmattan-n-12.


Wikinews has related news: French aircraft on flights over Libya; US missiles launched at targets 

• Official site of the French Ministry of Defense about Opération Harmattan 

• Unofficial page about aircraft involved in Operation Harmattan 

• Unofficial page about warships involved in Operation Harmattan 

IV .Canada: 

Operation MOBILE 


Date 

Location 

19 March 2011 - ongoing 

Libya 

Belligerents 

Canada 


Libya 

Stephen Harper [1] Peter MacKay [2] 

Muammar al-Gaddafi Abu-Bakr Yunis 

Lieutenant General André Deschamps [3][4] 

Jabr 

Brigadier 

[5][6] 

General André Viens 

Colonel Alain Pelletier [7][8] 

Commander Craig Skjerpen [9] Ali Sharif al-Rifi Khamis al-Gaddafi 

Strength 

400+ personnel [10][9] See Deployed forces Unknown 


None 

Unknown 

Operation MOBILE is the name given to Canadian Forces activities in the 2011 military intervention in Libya. [9] The United States' 

counterpart to this is Operation Odyssey Dawn, the French counterpart is Opération Harmattan and the British counterpart is 

Operation Ellamy. The no-fly zone was proposed during the 2011 Libyan uprising to prevent government forces loyal to Muammar 

Gaddafi from carrying out air attacks on rebel forces and civilians. Several countries have prepared to take immediate military action 

at a conference in Paris on 19 March 2011. [11] 

Canadian Forces 

Maritime Command On 1 March 2011, Prime Minister Harper announced that HMCS Charlottetown would deploy from Halifax on 

2 March to take part in Canadian and international operations already under way in Libya. The Charlottetown departed CFB Halifax, 

and joined the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 on 14 March, and arrived on station on 17 March. [12] HMCS Charlottetown is a 

Halifax class frigate under the command of Commander Craig Skjerpen with a crew of about 240 officers and sailors, and a CH-124 

Sea King helicopter and air detachment. With the other ships of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, HMCS Charlottetown is engaged 

in regional maritime security operations in the central Mediterranean Sea. 

Air Command Task Force Libeccio is the air detachment participating in the enforcement of the no-fly zone in Libya authorized by 

Resolution 1973, adopted by the U.N. Security Council on 17 March 2011. The task force is named for the strong southwesterly wind 

that blows all year in the Mediterranean Sea. Task Force Libeccio comprises six CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft, two Boeing CC-177 

Globemasters, two CP-140 Auroras and about 200 Canadian Forces personnel, including aircrews and ground technicians from 425 

Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing CFB Bagotville and other locations across Canada. The force also includes two CC-150 Polaris 

air-to-air refuelling detachment from 437 (Transport) Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. [9] Task Force Libeccio reached the region 

on 18 March. [13] 

CF-18 Hornets and CC-150 Polaris assets are based at Trapani-Birgi airbase in Sicily, Italy. 

CP-140 Aurora aircraft are based at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy 


CF-18 Hornet CC-150 Polaris CH-124 Sea King HMCS Charlottetown CP-140 escorted by two CF-188 CC-177 Globemaster III 

• Canadian Forces Air Command 

o 6 × CF-188 Hornet multirole fighter (one more in reserve) from Trapani-Birgi Airport in Trapani, Italy 

o 2 × CC-177 Globemaster strategic airlifter 

o 2 × CC-130J Hercules military transport

o 2 × CC-150 Polaris refueling tanker 

o 2 × CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft [14] 

• Canadian Forces Maritime Command 

o HMCS Charlottetown, a Halifax-class frigate (transferred to NATO Operation Unified Protector on 23 March [15] ) 

1 × CH-124 Sea King (Operated by Canadian Forces Air Command) 

• Canadian Special Operations Forces Command 

o Joint Task Force 2 [16] 

An additional six CF-18s were placed on standby in Canada, ready to deploy immediately if called upon. [17] 


• Day 1: 21 March 2011 Four CF-18 fighters and two CC-150 Polaris refuellers operating from Trapani-Birgi Airport flew 

their first mission in Libya on March 21, acting as armed escorts to coalition jets conducting bombings. Canada expected to 

take part in bombings as soon as the following night. [17] The HMCS Charlottetown also began patrolling the waters north of 

Libya in order to help to enforce an embargo on Gadhafi. [18] Defence Minister Peter MacKay stated that another six CF-18 

fighter jets are on standby to deploy if needed. [19] 

• Day 2: 22 March 2011 Two CF-18s again flew missions on Tuesday, March 22. However they had to abandon their planned 

attack on a Gadhafi Libyan airfield as the high possibility of collateral damage was against the strict rules of engagement. [20] 

For a second day a CC-150 tanker refueled Canadian aircraft as well as other coalition planes. [21] 

• Day 3: 23 March 2011 The third day marked the first time Canadian jets bombed Libya since the campaign began. This 

occurred as four CF-18s flew two missions against an ammunition depot in Misrata, dropping four 227 kg (500-pound) laserguided 

bombs, [22] and supported by two CC-150 Polaris tankers. [23] In other developments, Commodore John Newton, of the 

Canadian Forces Maritime Command stated that the crew of the HMCS Charlottetown is prepared to conduct boarding 

operations and has been training for search and rescue of downed pilots. [24] 

• Day 4: 24 March 2011 Two CF-18 flew two air interdiction patrols over Libyan airspace. A CC-150 Polaris took part of the 

operations providing fuel for Canadian and other coalition aircraft. [25] Defence Minister Peter MacKay announces Canada 

will send 2 CP-140 Auroras to provide maritime surveillance in support of the United Nations arms embargo against 

Libya. [26] The Canadian Forces has deployed 80 personnel from 14 Wing Greenwood and 19 Wing Comox. 

• Day 5: 25 March 2011 Two CF-18 conducted one sortie and released several precision-guided munitions against electronic 

warfare sites near Misrata. [27] Two CC-150 also took part of operation and refueled both Canadian and coalition aircraft. [27] 

The HMCS Charlottetown has patrolled the north of Libya and has investigated a vessel in distress. [27] 

• Day 7: 27 March 2011 A second ammunition depot, this time located 92 kilometers south of Misrata, was destroyed in an 

operation by four CF-18s utilizing 227 kg (500-pound) laser-guided bombs; in addition CF-18s coordinated other attacks 

involving up to 20 other coalition aircraft. Enforcing the arms embargo a CP-140A Aurora flew the first Canadian Maritime 

Patol misssion. [28] 

• Day 9: 29 March 2011 Tuesday saw two CF-18s fly on a mission to help the rebels by attacking targets in Misrata. [29] 

See also 

Canadian Forces portal 

• List of Canadian military operations 

• List of Canadian Peacekeeping Missions 

References 

1. ^ Labrie, Isabelle. "Six chasseurs canadiens se rendent en Libye" (in French) Cyberpresse.ca via lequotidien, 19 

March 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2011. 

2. ^ CTV.ca News Staff (22 March 2011). "Canadians find risk too great, abandon planned attack". CTV.ca. 

CTVGlobemedia. http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110322/canadian-cf-18s-operation-odyssey-dawn-libya- 

110322/20110322/hub=CalgaryHome. Retrieved 22 March 2011. 

3. ^ "Libya: Canada to send fighter jets for no-fly zone". BBC News. 18 March 2011. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12781682. Retrieved 21 March 2011. 

4. ^ {{cite web|url=http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/page-eng.aspid=28 

5. ^ "Operation MOBILE: National Defence and Canadian Forces Response to the Situation in Libya". National 

Defence and the canadian Forces. 22 March 2011. http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/feature-vedette/2011/02/updatesmisesajour/03-22-2011-eng.asp. 


6. ^ "BRIGADIER-GENERAL VIENS J.Y.R.A. , CD". National Defence and the canadian Forces. 22 March 2011. 

http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dsa-dns/sa-ns/ab/sobv-vbos-eng.aspmAction=View&mBiographyID=142. Retrieved 22 

March 2011. 

7. ^ "Sécurité nationale: Six CF-18 de Bagotville participent à la mission en Libye (in French)". Les nouvelles 

Sympatico.ca. 18 March 2011. http://nouvelles.sympatico.ca/regions/securite_nationale_six_cf- 

18_de_bagotville_participent_a_la_mission_en_libye/cd19af23. Retrieved 20 March 2011. 

8. ^ "COLONEL PELLETIER J.P.A. , CD". Forces.gc.ca. 18 March 2011. http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dsadns/sa-ns/ab/sobv-vbos-eng.aspmaction=view&mbiographyid=881. 


9. ^ 

a b c d 

"Operation MOBILE". DND. 21 March 2011. http://www.cefcom-comfec.forces.gc.ca/paap/ops/mobile/index-eng.asp. 


10. ^ "International Operations". DND. 20 March 2011. http://www.cefcom-comfec.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/ops/indexeng.asp. 


11. ^ Judd, Terri. "Operation Ellamy: Designed to strike from air and sea." The Independent, 19 March 2011. 

12. ^ "Canadian warship departs for Libya". Ca.news.yahoo.com. , 2 March 2011. 

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/video/canews-22424922/canadian-warship-departs-for-libya-

24388103.html#crsl=%252Fvideo%252Fcanews-22424922%252Fcanadian-warship-departs-for-libya-24388103.html. 


13. ^ "Harper: Libya air mission poses risks". CBC News. 19 March 2011. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/19/libya-summit-paris.html. Retrieved 19 March 2011. 

14. ^ "Canadian patrol planes to join Libya mission". CBC. 24 March 2011. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/24/libya-gadhafi-rebel-misrata.html. 

15. ^ "NATO ships move to enforce UN arms embargo". NATO. 23 March 2011. http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID- 

F071A826-49A1586D/natolive/news_71726.htm. 

16. ^ "Canadian warship en route, JTF2 sent to Libya". The Ottawa Citizen. 2 March 2011. 

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Canadian+warship+route+JTF2+sent+Libya/4369428/story.html. Retrieved 2 March 

2011. 

a b 

17. ^ "Libyan mission a 'moral duty,' MacKay says". CBC Canada. March 21, 2011. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/21/pol-libya-debate.html. 

18. ^ "HMCS Charlottetown patrols off Libya". CBC News. 21 March 2011. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/novascotia/story/2011/03/21/ns-hmcs-charlottetown-mission.html. 

19. ^ Bruce Campion-Smith Ottawa Bureau chief (1932-02-27). "Canadian fighter jets fly first mission in Libyan no-fly 

zone". thestar.com. http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/957514--canadian-fighter-jets-fly-first-mission-in-libyan-nofly-zone. 


20. ^ "Canadian fighters abandon planned attack on Libyan airfield". Winnipeg Free Press. 22 March 2011. 

21. ^ "Anti-aircraft fire booms in Tripoli". CBC News. 22 March 2011. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/21/libya-attack-tuesday.html. 

22. ^ "Canadian jets bomb Libyan target in first attack". The Globe and Mail. 23 March 2011. 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/somnia/article1953453/. 

23. ^ "Canadian jets target Libyan ammunition depot". CBC News. 23 March 2011. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/23/libya-costs-us.html. 

24. ^ Murray Brewster The Canadian Press (1932-02-27). "Canadian CF-18s bomb Libyan ammunition depot". 

thestar.com. http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/959258--canadian-cf-18s-bomb-libyan-ammunition-depot. 


25. ^ Bruce Campion-Smith Ottawa Bureau chief (2011-03-24). "Operation MOBILE: National Defence and Canadian 

Forces Response to the Situation in Libya". forces.gc.ca. http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/feature-vedette/2011/02/updatesmisesajour/03-24-2011-eng.asp. 


26. ^ "Canada sending 2 aircraft to aid Libya mission". CBC News. 24 March 2011. 


27. ^ a b c "Canada sending 2 aircraft to aid Libya mission". DND. 25 March 2011. http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/featurevedette/2011/02/updates-misesajour/03-25-2011-eng.asp. 

28. ^ "Libyan rebels advance on Gadhafi's hometown". CBC News. 28 March 2011. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/28/libya-sirte-gadhafi.html. 

29. ^ "Libyan rebels retreat to Brega". CBC News. 30 March 2011. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/30/libya-battle-wednesday.html. 


• Operation MOBILE - National Defence and Canadian Forces

V .NATO: 

Operation Unified Protector 


Date 

Location 

25 March 2011–ongoing 

Mediterranean Sea off coast of Libya 

Belligerents 

NATO 


Admiral James G. Stavridis Lt. General Charles 

Bouchard Vice Admiral Rinaldo Veri Lieutenant 

General Ralph J. Jodice II 

Libya 

Muammar Gaddafi 

Khamis al-Gaddafi 

Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr 

Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi 

Al-Saadi al-Gaddafi 

Operation Unified Protector is a NATO naval and air operation to enforce the arms embargo and the no-fly zone against Libya in 

support of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973. [1] The arms embargo is carried out using ships from NATOs 

Standing Maritime Group 1 and Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 1 [2] and additional ships, submarines and maritime 

surveillance planes from NATO members. [3] They would "monitor, report and, if needed, interdict vessels suspected of carrying 

illegal arms or mercenaries". [2] The no-fly zone is enforced by planes transferred to Unified Protector from the military intervention in 

Libya, with additional planes from NATO and allied nations. [1] 

Command structure Political direction is provided by the North Atlantic Council to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers 

Europe. The chain of command is from Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Admiral James G. Stavridis (U.S.), to the Deputy 

Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Lt. General Charles Bouchard (Canada), and then to both the Commander of 

Allied Maritime Command Naples, Vice Admiral Rinaldo Veri (Italy) for the naval operations and Commander of Allied Air 

Command Izmir, Lieutenant General Ralph J. Jodice II (U.S.) for air operations. [4] 


Allied Maritime Command 

• Belgian Naval Component 

o BNS Narcis, a Tripartite-class minehunter [5] 

• Bulgarian Navy 

o BGS Drazki, a Wielingen-class frigate [6] 

• Canadian Forces 

o Canadian Forces Maritime Command 

HMCS Charlottetown, a Halifax-class frigate [7] (transferred from Operation MOBILE) 

1 × CH-124 Sea King anti-submarine helicopter 

• Hellenic Navy 

o HS Limnos, an Elli-class frigate [8] 

• Italian Navy [9] 

o NMM Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier with [10] 

Eight AV-8B Harrier II V/STOL ground-attack aircraft 

Three AW101 Merlin anti-submarine warfare helicopters 

Two AB 212ASW anti-submarine warfare helicopters 

Boarding teams from the San Marco Regiment 

o NMM Libeccio, a Maestrale-class frigate 

o NMM Etna, an Etna class auxiliary ship 

o NMM Comandante Bettica, a Comandanti-class offshore patrol vessel 

• Royal Netherlands Navy 

o HNLMS Haarlem, an Alkmaar-class minehunter [11][12] 

• Romanian Navy 

o Regele Ferdinand, a Type 22 frigate [13] 

• Spanish Armed Forces 

o Spanish Navy 

SPS Méndez Núñez, a Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate [14] 

SPS Tramontana, an Agosta-class submarine [15] 

• Turkish Navy [16] 

o TCG Giresun, a G class frigate

o TCG Gemlik, a G class frigate 

o TCG Yıldırım, a Yavuz-class frigate 

o TCG Yıldıray, a Type 209 submarine 

o TCG Akar, a fleet support ship 

• Royal Navy 

o HMS Cumberland (F85), a Type 22 frigate [17] (transferred from Operation Ellamy) 

1 × Lynx Mk.8 helicopters 


Royal Marines boarding party 

• United States Navy 

o One frigate [18] 

Allied Air Command 

• Canadian Forces 

o Canadian Forces Air Command 

6 × CF-188 Hornet multirole fighter 

2 × CC-177 Globemaster strategic airlifter 

2 × CC-130J Hercules military transport 

2 × CC-150 Polaris refueling tanker 

2 × CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft [19] 

o Canadian Special Operations Forces Command 

Joint Task Force 2 [20] 

[dubious – discuss] 

• NATO 

o E-3 airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft [21] 

• Norwegian Armed Forces 

o Royal Norwegian Air Force 

Six F-16AM 15MLU Falcon fighter jets operating from Souda Air Base, Crete [22] 

Two C-130J-30 military transport aircrafts supporting the Norwegian forces. [23] . 

• Spanish Armed Forces 

o Spanish Air Force 

One CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft [24] 

References 

1. ^ a b "NATO No-Fly Zone over Libya Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR". NATO. 25 March 2011. 

http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_03/20110325_110325-unified-protector-no-fly-zone.pdf. 

2. ^ a b "Statement by the NATO Secretary General on Libya arms embargo". NATO. 22 March 2011. 

http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-E403D555-2A5EEC9A/natolive/news_71689.htmmode=pressrelease. 

3. ^ "Press briefing by NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu, Brigadier General Pierre St-Amand, Canadian Air Force 

and General Massimo Panizzi, spokesperson of the Chairman of the Military Committee". NATO. 23 March 2011. 

http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-83A5384E-C37D94AC/natolive/opinions_71716.htmselectedLocale=en. 

4. ^ http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_03/20110325_110325-unified-protector-commandcontrol.pdf 

5. ^ "Mijnenveger Narcis wordt ingezet - Buitenland - De Morgen". Demorgen.be. 

http://www.demorgen.be/dm/nl/990/Buitenland/article/detail/1240322/2011/03/23/Mijnenveger-Narcis-wordt-ingezet.dhtml. 


6. ^ "Bulgaria's Drazki Frigate Ready to Set sail for Libya". Standart News. 23 March 2011. 

http://paper.standartnews.com/en/article.phpd=2011-03-23&article=35828. 

7. ^ "NATO ships move to enforce UN arms embargo". NATO. 23 March 2011. http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID- 

F071A826-49A1586D/natolive/news_71726.htm. 

8. ^ "Odyssey Dawn-Greece: Updates from Souda Bay military buildup". Keep Talking Greece. 

http://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2011/03/23/odyssey-dawn-greece-updates-from-souda-bay-military-buildup/. Retrieved 

2011-03-25. 

9. ^ "Operazione "Unified Protector": navi italiane partecipano all'embargo". Italian Ministry of Defense. 2011-03-25. 

http://www.difesa.it/Operazioni+Militari/Operazioni+internazionali+in+corso/Libia_Odissea_all_Alba/notizie_teatro_dett.ht 

mDetailID=8123. 

10. ^ "Marina Militare". Marina.difesa.it. 

http://www.marina.difesa.it/Conosciamoci/Notizie/Pagine/20110321_libriacrisi.aspx. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

11. ^ "Dutch news - Defence Team Leaves to Reconnoitre Airfields". Nisnews.nl. 

http://www.nisnews.nl/public/240311_1.htm. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

12. ^ "SNMCMG1 Task Force 2011". Manw.nato.int. 

http://www.manw.nato.int/Page_snmcmg1_task_force_2011_.aspx. Retrieved 2011-03-25. 

13. ^ 

http://www.mapn.ro/evenimente/uploads/documents/20110323_184038_2bc32864bab4abf9cb73729c2e1b777f.doc 

14. ^ "SNMG1 Ships". NATO. 24 March 2011. http://www.manw.nato.int/page_snmg1_ships.aspx. 

15. ^ "Spanish Fighter Jets Complete First Patrol Over Libya". Bloomberg. 22 March 2011. Archived from the original 

on 24 March 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5xQrG961V. Retrieved 24 March 2011. 

16. ^ "Tezkere bugün Meclis'te". Sabah. 24 March 2011. 

http://www.sabah.com.tr/Gundem/2011/03/24/tezkere_bugun_mecliste.

17. ^ "HMS Cumberland ready for embargo operations in Libya". Ministry of Defence. 29 March 2011. 

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/HmsCumberlandReadyForEmbargoOperationsInLiby 

a.htm. 

18. ^ "Ships Offered To Police NATO's Libya Arms Embargo". Defense News. 23 March 2011. Archived from the 

original on 24 March 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5xQRStRpQ. Retrieved 24 March 2011. 

19. ^ "Canadian patrol planes to join Libya mission". CBC. 24 March 2011. 


20. ^ "Canadian warship en route, JTF2 sent to Libya". The Ottawa Citizen. 2 March 2011. 

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Canadian+warship+route+JTF2+sent+Libya/4369428/story.html. Retrieved 2 March 

2011. 

21. ^ "Her letter de på vei mot Libya". adressa.no. 22 March 2011. 

http://www.adressa.no/nyheter/nordtrondelag/article1606878.ece. 

22. ^ Vet ikke hvilke farer som møter dem - nyheter - Dagbladet.no 

23. ^ http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article4076935.ece 

24. ^ "Les moyens de l’opération d’embargo sur les armes. Nom de code: Unified Protector". Bruxelles2. 22 March 

2011. http://www.bruxelles2.eu/afrique/maghreb/les-moyens-de-loperation-embargo-sur-les-armes.html.

Libyan Civil War Libyan Civil War - Libreria Militare Ares

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